According to a series of high-ranking Pentagon officials, increased production of munitions, the initial deployment of the B-21 stealth bomber, and the construction of Columbia-class submarines could all be at risk due to a long-term continuing resolution (CR) in fiscal year 2025.
Congress has approximately one week to pass a temporary funding bill before September 30, the deadline for fiscal year 2024, after which government funding will cease. Following the House’s rejection of a plan proposed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, which aimed to extend funding until March, House and Senate leaders are in urgent discussions to arrive at a last-minute agreement.
Johnson’s continuing resolution faced strong opposition from Democrats, primarily due to the inclusion of the right-leaning SAVE Act. Additionally, over a dozen Republicans opposed it based on fiscal concerns or fears that a six-month CR might negatively impact national defense.
Reports indicate that Johnson may propose a new CR as early as Sunday. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole mentioned that the goal is to create a proposal as close to a clean CR as possible.
In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has taken steps to advance the upper chamber’s version of a CR, despite the usual protocol that requires spending bills to originate in the House.
The Pentagon’s capacity to implement its strategy—particularly in deterring China—depends on receiving adequate funding for innovation and modernization. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized in a September 7 letter to Representative Rosa DeLauro that such funding cannot proceed under a continuing resolution.
“A lengthy CR ties our hands behind our back while expecting us to be agile and accelerate progress,” Austin wrote. He also highlighted that a six-month CR would leave Congress little time to prevent across-the-board sequestration cuts set to take effect on April 30, unless full-year appropriations are approved.
Austin’s correspondence has prompted defense leaders to urge Congress to limit the duration of a CR and promptly pass a complete defense appropriations bill. Here’s a summary of their concerns:
Army: Army Secretary Christine Wormuth warned that a six-month CR would severely hinder the Army’s ability to maintain national security and the well-being of its personnel. She indicated that it could delay up to $8.2 billion in crucial investments in recruiting, training, and weapons development. Additionally, it would stall 13 new procurement initiatives and impact several military construction projects.
Air Force and Space Force: Secretary Frank Kendall cautioned that a prolonged CR could adversely affect personnel-related payments and delay crucial modernization projects. For the Air Force, this could impede the production of essential munitions and delay the initial operational capability of the B-21 Raider. The Space Force would similarly face setbacks in developing new systems and tracking capabilities.
Navy and Marine Corps: Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro noted that ongoing construction of Virginia-class submarines and procurement of essential naval ships could be delayed. Furthermore, a lengthy CR would negatively impact key acquisition programs for the Marine Corps, hindering procurement of vital equipment.
In summary, the potential for a long-term continuing resolution raises significant concerns among military leaders about its impact on national defense readiness, modernization efforts, and the overall well-being of service members and their families.
