Politics
Congress’ Spending Freeze Puts a Deep Chill On US Military Modernization
By
Mackenzie Eaglen
Published
1 second ago
Spend a few minutes on Capitol Hill these days and it is clear inter-party relations are at a new low. Even congressional staffers are feeling the chill as relations worsen. This is one of many reasons, unfortunately, why the odds of a full-year government spending freeze are growing by the day. Yet Pentagon leaders are nowhere to be found in sounding the alarm. Given the hundreds of misaligned programs, millions in wasted dollars, training time that cannot be recovered, and further self-imposed technology delays vis-à-vis China, military leaders simply cannot afford to be silent now.
It seems both branches of government need a reminder of the consequences that stem from such mismanagement. While the Defense Department has grown used to managing the inefficiencies that are caused by continuing resolutions (CRs), this does not mean they are inconsequential. It only means the Pentagon has figured out how to limp along using the equivalent of contracting and budgeting duct tape.
In the event of a CR, the Defense Department can submit anomaly requests that change the duration, amount, or purpose for which funds are used within certain appropriation accounts. However, it is the prerogative of Congress to approve such anomalies. They rarely do so. It is past time to send up flares.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/12/congress-spending-freeze-puts-a-deep-chill-on-us-military-modernization/
