The way the game is played in Washington is that whenever Democrats propose defense cuts, the Republicans scream that Democrats are stabbing soldiers in the back during wartime. The Democrats react like vampires when shown a crucifix and they agree to whatever defense dollars Republicans want.
Whenever Republicans propose social safety net cuts, the Democrats scream that Republicans are "mean spirited." The Republicans react like vampires when shown a crucifix and then agree to whatever social safety net spending Democrats want.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Yes, it is time to cut the defense budget. A lot.
Unfortunately, the Republicans will ensure that what is cut is spending on soldier/sailor/airman/marine pay, soldier/sailor/airman/marine housing, soldier/sailor/airman/marine health care, and what is retained is big budget end items like unbelievably powerful (and unbelievably expensive) aircraft carriers, ridiculously capable (and ridiculously expensive) airplanes, etc. Rather than cut the number of units, the military will keep lots of force structure, but not fund training it, making it a "hollow army" that will fail spectacularly in the next shooting match we send it to.
That is a long-standing
American tradition.