Government Shutdown Resolved, But Concerns Remain

After an unprecedented government shutdown, the federal government has reopened. However, the recent agreement is simply a repetition of previous years’ temporary solutions, extending the continuing resolution (CR) until January 31, 2026. This means we’re looking at less than 90 days until we might face another crisis of our own making.

This timing, during Veterans Day week, is particularly poignant. It’s a moment to think about Congress’s failure to fulfill its responsibilities, especially when contrasted with the commitment of service members to uphold the Constitution. Such dysfunction signals a troubling trend that affects us all.

What happens as a result of this continual political turmoil? It can be very costly. Estimates indicate weekly shutdowns could cost around $15 billion in GDP. The 2019 shutdowns alone accounted for more than 25,000 years of lost federal productivity. Each incident makes it harder for the nation to maintain its economic integrity.

Now that the shutdown is over, lawmakers may celebrate their compromises and posturing, perhaps even pointing fingers at opponents while touting their own solutions. This is all too common. The term “continuing resolution” has become, unfortunately, a euphemism for neglecting their responsibilities.

Remarkably, Congress has failed to pass a budget on time in 15 of the last 16 years. They seem to sidestep this essential duty while getting embroiled in non-essential debates. Each time a budget is delayed, the security and stability of the country are further compromised. As a former base commander, I can say, I would lose my job over such callousness. And as a father and husband, I would be embarrassed by this kind of negligence. Yet, those in power face little consequence for their actions.

For many, just the mention of a government shutdown can create anxiety, especially among military families living paycheck to paycheck. A series of such shutdowns threatens not only the individuals affected but also national security, giving our adversaries an opening to exploit our weaknesses. This dysfunction harms our people and undermines the credibility of our nation. It’s never enjoyable to create a crisis through inaction.

The implications of such fiscal irresponsibility are substantial. For instance, the Department of Defense estimates a long-term loss of $48 billion in purchasing power. Some liken it to Congress throwing taxpayer money away. That’s pretty alarming, especially when we face serious threats.

While the latest resolution moves forward, the military remains unable to effectively roll out new strategies in an increasingly volatile global landscape. This leaves our defense strategy stagnant while other nations, particularly China, advance without the same bureaucratic hindrances.

General Dan Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, pointed out that operating under continuing resolutions constrains auditing efforts and reduces purchasing power, which hinders long-term investments. In a high-stakes global competition, this is deeply concerning. Time is, sadly, one more thing being wasted due to political neglect.

What we really need are leaders who are committed to getting the country back on track. We require people who respect the urgency and understand the importance of collaboration to achieve our mission. Right now, it feels like politicians are squandering money, time, and, most importantly, our safety and security.