Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has expressed concern over the possibility of a clean, full-year Continuing Resolution (CR) at the Fiscal Year 2024 level for national defense. In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, McConnell highlighted the potential consequences of failing to pass new appropriations.

McConnell stated, "Every time Congress faces a government funding deadline, Washington reminds itself — eventually — that shutdowns are worth avoiding." He emphasized that the current situation is unprecedented, as it would force the U.S. military to operate for a full year with outdated budgets amidst rising costs due to inflation.

He argued that governance without updated appropriations reduces Pentagon buying power and hinders effective military acquisitions which require long-term planning. "Forcing the U.S. military to equip itself for next year’s threats at this year’s prices with last year’s dollars is a recipe for disaster," McConnell said.

The senator warned that extending the FY2024 budget through FY2025 could lead to significant shortfalls in defense capabilities and affect service members' payrolls due to previous pay raises. He also noted that it would prevent the initiation of 168 new programs necessary for competing globally, particularly against China.

"The costs of deterring war pale in comparison to the costs of fighting one," he stated, stressing the importance of deterrent investments. McConnell criticized Congress's reluctance to exceed President Joe Biden's defense budget request and pointed out how other nations are increasing their defense spending.

He concluded by urging robust full-year appropriations to modernize U.S. forces and meet international demand for U.S.-made weapons systems: "We cannot rebuild our military without bigger topline investments in defense."