But so does science research spending. Point seems to be why not let it follow directions independent of military utility.

This is anecdotal, but I've not run into a single real life American who hasn't agreed with the general premise that we spend too much money on "the military industrial complex". Even the hawkish folks agree with this notion to some extent, usually arguing that specific projects are a waste of money and that's where the cuts should come from.

Cynically, I think our congresspeople don't actually take our feedback about the budget into account. They'll talk a big game about wasteful spending and the need to reduce deficits but the pork never stops flowing.