Congressional Hearings Debate $25 Billion Funding for Golden Dome Missile Defense in 2025

Congress debates $25 billion in 2025 hearings for Golden Dome, a U.S. missile defense system to counter hypersonic and nuclear threats, impacting national security.

2025 Golden Dome Funding Hearings

In April and May 2025, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees conducted hearings on a $150 billion defense package, allocating $25-$27 billion for the Golden Dome missile defense system. The April 29, 2025, House markup session scrutinized $24.7 billion for space-based sensors, interceptors, and hypersonic defenses. Senators like Mike Rounds (R-SD) highlighted the system’s role in countering threats from China and North Korea.

Golden Dome Funding Impact U.S. Security

The $25 billion initial funding for Golden Dome, aimed at integrating the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) with systems like Aegis and THAAD, faces long-term cost estimates of $161-$542 billion per the Congressional Budget Office. Democrats, including Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), criticized the funding as vague during May 2025 hearings, while Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) defended its urgency for homeland defense. The reconciliation bill’s passage could increase the federal deficit by $5.7 trillion, raising stakes in Congress.

Future updates To Pay attention To

National security advocates, defense industry stakeholders, and concerned citizens can monitor Golden Dome’s progress through congressional votes and Pentagon updates. With debates over costs and SpaceX’s involvement fueling discussions on X, the project’s outcome could redefine U.S. defense strategy. Engage with live hearings, track budget decisions, or join X conversations to stay informed on this critical initiative.

Key Facts

• The House Armed Services Committee held a markup hearing on April 29, 2025, debating $24.7 billion for Golden Dome within a $150 billion defense package.
• The Senate Armed Services Committee reviewed Golden Dome funding in January and May 2025, with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) advocating for its necessity.
• The $25-$27 billion allocation includes $7.2 billion for space-based sensors and $5.6 billion for space-based interceptors.
• The Congressional Budget Office projects space-based components could cost $161–$542 billion over 20 years.
• Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) labeled the funding a “slush fund” in a May 2025 hearing, citing unclear implementation plans.
• Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) are pushing for reconciliation bill approval by May 2025.
• Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein was appointed to lead Golden Dome in May 2025.
• 42 members of Congress, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), called for a review of SpaceX’s role in a May 13, 2025, hearing.