Impending troop funding crisis as Congress delays approved budget

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
1 Dec 2023 12:25

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warns that funding for America's military personnel is at risk if lawmakers continue relying on stopgap measures instead of passing a comprehensive Pentagon budget.

United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Q. Brown Jr. speaks about US defense strategy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, Monday, Feb. 13, 2023 (AP)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles Brown Jr., has cautioned that funding for America's military personnel is at risk if lawmakers continue relying on stopgap measures instead of passing a comprehensive Pentagon budget. Brown conveyed this message in a letter to members of the US Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

The military is facing a significant $5.8 billion personnel funding shortfall unless Congress approves a full-year spending bill, according to Brown. The Pentagon, like the rest of the federal government, has been operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR) since the fiscal year began on October 1, as lawmakers struggle to reach a consensus on budget legislation. A CR maintains funding at the previous year's level, hindering the initiation of new programs.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly contemplating a year-long CR if a budget agreement remains elusive. Brown warned that such a scenario would hinder the commencement of new construction projects, essential initiatives like modernizing nuclear forces, and the increased production of artillery shells and munitions. Funding for new warships would face significant cuts, maintenance delays could compromise the readiness of the US Navy, recruitment efforts would have to slow down, and the transfers of service members to new duty stations would be delayed.

Despite the Department of Defense's plan to increase service members' wages by 5.2% in the current fiscal year, frozen spending at the previous year's level would necessitate cuts in other personnel costs, including recruiting.

US military aid is everywhere in the world, but not in their own country

US military spending is anticipated to rise by 3.6% in the 2024 fiscal year, reaching approximately $830 billion. The Pentagon already surpasses the combined defense budgets of the world's nine next-largest nations.

Additionally, President Joe Biden has sought congressional approval for $106 billion in supplemental national security funding, including $61.4 billion in extra military aid for Ukraine. He also motioned to lift all restrictions on military weapons being sent to "Israel", eliminating the $200 million cap, and creating a free-flowing to provide any defense articles to "Israel".

The defense bill constitutes aid to Taiwan as well, to speed up the delivery of weapons and assist it in its conflict with China.

As the US monetary policy is hindered by the excess of military aid overseas, worries about a governmental shutdown are looming.

In addition to Brown's warning, the looming threat of a US government shutdown became increasingly likely back in September as members of Congress struggled to find common ground on funding extensions before the end of the month, a CNN report showed.

Leaders from both sides of the aisle in Congress are racing against time to pass a short-term funding extension, aiming to prevent a government shutdown and maintain essential services. However, the success of this plan remains uncertain due to deep-seated divisions over spending priorities and policy disagreements, particularly concerning aid to Ukraine.