Politico: …the Pentagon and congressional spending committees are drafting a smaller $1.1 trillion defense budget, according to a defense industry official, two former officials and one other person familiar with the matter. The planning — which runs contrary to what administration officials are saying publicly — is a clear indication of the political headwinds facing Republicans after the midterm elections.
“The Pentagon can’t admit this,” said one of the people who, like the others, was granted anonymity to speak about internal discussions.
…“None of them expect anywhere close to 1.5 trillion,” one of the former officials said. “They are absolutely developing plans [for less] and that is much more the expectation than anything close to 1.5 trillion.”…