Goat Rodeo #17 – Big Beautiful Bills, Budget Activity #9, and Ukraine’s Drone Future

This episode: As the kids take over at home, Congress is (maybe) passing one of the biggest defense budget bills in history. The crew unpacks the latest on the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the parliamentarian gutting it, and why reconciliation has never failed (until maybe now). Dave breaks down a hidden gem in the bill: $690M for Budget Activity #9, aimed at counter-drone, drone effects, and electronic warfare. We dig into why this targeted funding is a better approach, and how it could give PEOs real flexibility to field capabilities faster. Garrett offers an apology to FFRDCs, and the team debates why SBIR should focus less on phase 1s and 2s, and more on phase 3 transitions that actually deliver capabilities. Obviant gets a redemption arc, and we explore whether Ukraine, post-war, could become China’s top competitor in drone manufacturing, with hard-earned lessons in software, supply chain, and operational scaling. Also, Simon is watching Love Island and Congress is chaos. A very Goat Rodeo week. Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo. Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast