Exactly how does 1.7% qualify as a "drastic" increase?

It doesn't.

Lauren, there's a term for what you just published. It's called "manufactured outrage", something that the far Right does all the doggone time. Please try to refrain from this kind of tactic, for it effectively detracts from what we are *rightly* pissed about, from police brutality to endemic racism to the epidemic of right-wing stupidity.

Lastly, when it comes to the military budget itself, I recommend that it would be more effective to show exactly what needs to be cut. In my opinion, as much as I loved serving on aircraft carriers, they're the most expensive weapons system on the planet (when considering everything that goes with them including the squadrons)...and they're obsolete for the modern battlespace. They are the *first* item I say needs to be cut, and the savings used towards providing better opportunities for the American people.