Donald Trump’s federal budget includes massive increases in military spending, including funding for a Star Wars–esque missile defense system known as the “Golden Dome.” Both Trump and the media are likely underestimating the cost of this boondoggle.

The Senate is now working on its version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the GOP megabill that the House of Representatives passed late last month. The final product will likely differ from the lower chamber’s legislation, mainly because some Senate Republicans object to the House version’s deficit increase and Medicaid cuts.

Not much disagreement is expected over the military spending portion of the bill. The legislation’s spending framework instructs the Senate Armed Services Committee to “increase the deficit by not more than $150,000,

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