Pentagon warns six-month budget bill will devastate military

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has warned that the passage of a six-month temporary spending bill, which caps spending at 2024 levels, would have significant negative impacts on the military. According to Austin, the continuing resolution would harm thousands of defense programs and hinder military recruiting efforts. The bill would result in a $6 billion cut in defense spending compared to the proposed 2025 budget, diverting funds from key new priorities and overfunding programs that no longer need it.

Austin highlighted that the bill would delay over $4.3 billion in research and development projects and postpone 135 new military housing and construction projects totaling nearly $10 billion. Additionally, the cuts could halt enlistment bonuses, delay training for National Guard and Reserve forces, and limit flying hours and other training for active-duty troops. The temporary measure would also slow progress on several critical programs, including nuclear, ship-building, high-tech drone, and other weapons initiatives.