Economy Politics USA World

Pentagon Chief Warns Six-Month Temporary Budget Bill Would Severely Impact US Military

Pentagon Chief Warns Six-Month Temporary Budget Bill Would Severely Impact US Military
  • PublishedSeptember 9, 2024

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has warned that a six-month temporary spending bill, currently under consideration in Congress, would have “devastating” effects on the US military, the Associated Press reports.

In a letter to key lawmakers on Sunday, Austin urged Congress to take action on the proposed 2025 defense budget rather than resorting to a continuing resolution (CR) that would maintain funding at 2024 levels.

Austin emphasized that such a measure would severely undermine defense programs, stall military recruiting efforts, and restrict the Department of Defense’s ability to respond to international challenges.

“Asking the department to compete with China, let alone manage conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, under a lengthy CR ties our hands behind our back,” Austin wrote.

The warning comes as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson prepares a vote on a bill that would fund the federal government for six months, aiming to prevent a government shutdown as the fiscal year ends on September 30. The bill, intended to win conservative support, also includes a provision requiring states to verify citizenship when registering voters.

Austin noted that continuing 2024-level funding would cut over $6 billion from defense compared to the proposed 2025 budget, blocking critical new projects while misallocating funds to outdated programs. The CR would delay $4.3 billion in research and development initiatives and stall 135 military construction projects worth nearly $10 billion. Key defense programs—including nuclear, shipbuilding, and high-tech drone projects—would also be affected.

Without funding for mandatory pay raises, the Pentagon would face difficult choices, including halting enlistment bonuses, delaying National Guard and Reserve training, and limiting active-duty flying hours. These measures, Austin warned, could damage military readiness and affect US responses to emergent global events.

Citing the history of frequent continuing resolutions—48 in the past 15 fiscal years—Austin urged Congress to break the cycle.

“The US military cannot compete with China if we are forced to operate with our hands tied behind our backs every fiscal year,” he said.