Republicans charge Biden budget leaves US military 'neglected'

Republicans on Friday blasted President Biden's request for $753 billion for next fiscal year’s defense budget, saying it's not enough to counter China's military modernization plans.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., along with other top Senate Republicans, accused the president of prioritizing a "liberal wish list" while "funding for America’s military is neglected."

While Biden’s budget is a slight increase from the $704 billion allotted for defense spending in fiscal year 2021, it actually equates to a decrease in spending by about half a percent after inflation, first reported Bloomberg.

Republicans have called the budget "disappointing" and alleged it will not hold up next to China’s continual expanse in defense spending.

"China aspires to overtake America as the world’s dominant superpower. Over the past decade, China’s defense spending has increased by $200 billion, while America’s has decreased by $400 billion," the GOP group, including Senators Marco Rubio, Jim Inhofe, Lindsey Graham and Richard Shelby, said in a statement. "China’s military investments match its desire to out-compete America and hold our military forces at risk."