Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin expressed deep concerns regarding the passing of a six-month temporary spending bill, warning that it would severely impact the Defense Department. In a letter to key members of Congress, Austin highlighted that implementing a continuing resolution at 2024 spending levels instead of approving the proposed 2025 budget would have detrimental effects on numerous defense programs and military recruitment efforts, especially as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Considering the implications, Austin emphasized that such a measure would impede the department’s ability to effectively compete with countries like China and manage conflicts in regions like Europe and the Middle East. The Pentagon would face significant limitations and obstacles in making progress and being agile under such constraints, as outlined in the correspondence addressed to leaders of the House and Senate appropriations committees.
The bill proposed by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson seeks to extend federal funding for six months and includes provisions demanding proof of citizenship for voter registration. However, Austin cautioned that this temporary solution would result in more than $6 billion in cuts to defense spending compared to the 2025 budget proposal, redirecting funds from essential new priorities to overfunded programs.
Moreover, the implementation of a continuing resolution would hinder the initiation of new projects and cause delays in crucial research and development endeavors, military construction projects, and advancements in various defense programs, including nuclear, ship-building, and high-tech weaponry initiatives.
Additionally, Austin noted that service members and their families would face challenges due to the absence of legally mandated pay raises, potentially leading to disruptions in enlistment bonuses, training programs for National Guard and Reserve units, and maintenance of equipment. The continued reliance on temporary funding measures is deemed unsustainable and detrimental to national security interests.
Austin urged Congress to break the cycle of frequent continuing resolutions, stressing the detrimental impact of operating under such fiscal constraints on military readiness and the country’s ability to respond effectively to emerging threats. While the bill proposed by Johnson may not garner support in the Democratic-controlled Senate, a temporary funding solution must be agreed upon by September 30 to avert a government shutdown.