### Senate Republicans Question High Cost of Planned Army Parade Amid Budget Concerns

The Senate Armed Services Committee Chair, Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, has expressed reservations about the Army's proposed multimillion-dollar parade in Washington on June 14. The parade, which is intended to be a significant recruiting tool and celebration of the Army's 250th birthday, comes with a hefty estimated price tag of $25 million to $40 million. "I would have recommended against the parade," Wicker said during an interview Thursday, though he acknowledged Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's belief in its potential recruiting benefits.

Secretary Driscoll defended the parade before the Senate Armed Services Committee, emphasizing the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" it presents to inspire young Americans. However, he admitted that exact costs remain uncertain, particularly considering the possible damage to Washington's streets that the parade's 25 M1 Abrams tanks and 150 vehicles may cause.

Further skepticism arises from other key Republican figures. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) supports commemorating the Army's milestone but is wary of the expense. "I'm glad that we're honoring the Army. I think that's really important to recognize such a significant anniversary," she stated, while noting the cost as "a bit steep."

Fiscal conservative Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) was more forthright, stating, "If it costs money, I won't go." Additionally, Democrats have voiced traditional budget concerns, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticizing the "exorbitant" cost amid federal worker layoffs and other budget cuts. Meanwhile, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a veteran, argued that the funds for the parade would be better spent on military family services.

As part of the parade, about 6,600 troops from every active-duty division will be brought to Washington and housed in vacant federal buildings downtown. Participants in the parade will display uniforms from every U.S. conflict from the Revolutionary War to the present, alongside historical military equipment including a WWII-vintage B-25 bomber, a P-1 fighter, and Vietnam-era Huey helicopters.

The event coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, adding another layer of public scrutiny to the proceedings. Critics, including Duckworth, have suggested that the parade serves more to "stroke Donald Trump's ego" than to honor the Army's storied history.

In addition to the parade, the White House faces a funding dilemma with President Trump's request to rescind $9.4 billion in federal spending, including $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion designated for public broadcasting. If Congress does not act by July 18, legally, the White House will be required to spend the money, a mandate dating back to a long-established law aimed at preventing presidents from unilaterally withholding approved federal funds.