Freezing the Defense Budget? with Ret. Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro

RealClear Defense presents Hot Wash

Although the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act funding the military passed with bipartisan support, the appropriations bill has not. This puts the entire military and much of the intelligence community under a Continuing Resolution since October 1, freezing new spending, stalling dozens of major programs, and holding spending military-wide to 2021 levels. In a time of rising inflation, the effect is actually a major cut. Now, some members of Congress are proposing extending the Continuing Resolution for up to a year.

What would that mean for defense? Is there a way through the impasse?

To find out we are joined by, Retired Marine Major General Arnold Punaro, CEO at the Punaro Group, a firm specializing in federal budget and market analysis. He is Formerly the Chairman of the National Defense Industrial Associationa member of the Reserve Forces Policy Board, director of National Security Affairs for Senator Sam Nunn, as well as Staff Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Before rising to Major General, he served as an Infantry Platoon Commander in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart.

Subscribe to the RealClearDefense Podcast "Hot Wash"

Subscribe to the Morning Recon newsletterfor a daily roundup of news and opinion on the issues that matter for military, defense, veteran affairs, and national security.