Thank goodness the Founding Fathers knew to let Congress get the last word on how, whether, and how much to spend on providing for the national defense. The recently released defense policy bill—which authorizes end strength levels, delivers oversight, and provides funding guidance for the Defense Department—is a much-needed vote of confidence in the U.S. military.

First, Congress showed leadership in tackling rampant and sustained inflation. Despite having unhelpful partners at the Pentagon, Congress has avoided another sequestration-like disaster by generously increasing funds above the president’s below-inflation request.