Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has issued a stark warning to Congress, arguing that a long-term continuing resolution (CR) funding bill would severely hamper the military’s ability to address pressing national security challenges. In letters sent to key congressional leaders over the weekend, Austin outlined a litany of negative consequences, including a decline in readiness, hindered recruitment efforts, and a weakening of the defense industrial base.
As Congress prepares to return to session this week, the debate over government funding has intensified. Lawmakers are facing a September 30 deadline to prevent a government shutdown, and a CR is seen as the most likely short-term solution to keep federal agencies operating. However, the potential for a long-term CR – extending beyond the typical temporary funding measure – has sparked alarm within the Pentagon.
Austin’s Concerns: A Multifaceted Threat
Austin’s letters, addressed to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, paint a bleak picture of the potential impact on military operations if a long-term CR is enacted.
Among the specific concerns raised by Austin:
- Recruitment Challenges: A long-term CR would exacerbate the already dire situation in military recruitment, which faces record-low enlistment numbers.
- Defense Industrial Base: The temporary funding would hinder vital investments in the defense industrial base, impacting the development and production of critical equipment and technologies.
- Program Delays: Numerous vital programs would face delays or cancellations, including military construction, nuclear weapons modernization, and advanced drone development.
Beyond the Immediate Impact: The Fiscal Responsibility Act Looms
Beyond the immediate impacts of a long-term CR, Austin expressed deep concern about the ramifications of failing to pass full government funding bills by January 1. This deadline is tied to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, a bipartisan agreement reached last year between President Biden and House Republicans.
The act mandates a reduction in discretionary spending limits for national security by 1 percent below fiscal 2023 levels if Congress fails to pass a full budget by January. This could result in a $42 billion cut to the Pentagon’s 2025 budget request, significantly impacting military operations and capabilities. These cuts would become a reality if a CR is still in place by April 30.
“The repercussions of Congress failing to pass regular appropriations legislation for the first half of [fiscal] 2025 would be devastating to our readiness and ability to execute the National Defense Strategy,” Austin stated in his letters.
Political Divide and Potential for Showdown
The ongoing political divide in Congress further complicates the potential for a long-term CR. House Speaker Mike Johnson has linked a CR to stricter voter ID requirements, a move opposed by Senate Democrats. This potential showdown could further delay a resolution and push the government closer to a shutdown.
While the White House and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have expressed support for a temporary CR, they have also emphasized the need for a bipartisan solution. In a letter to his colleagues, Schumer stated that the Senate “will not let poison pills or Republican extremism put funding for critical programs at risk.”
The Stakes: National Security and Global Stability
The consequences of a prolonged funding stalemate extend far beyond the immediate impact on the Pentagon. A weakened military could have significant implications for national security, international relations, and global stability. With mounting geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts worldwide, ensuring the military’s ability to meet its responsibilities is paramount.
As Congress grapples with the complex task of funding the government, the urgency of finding a long-term solution to avoid a devastating impact on the military is undeniable. The choices made in the coming weeks will have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s defense and its place in the world.
