Stalled Pentagon Nominees Delay Strategic Decisions as Senate Faces October Recess
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Sep 24
Stalled Pentagon Nominees Delay Strategic Decisions as Senate Faces October Recess
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Sep 24
Summary
Acting leaders across top Pentagon civilian and uniformed posts are leaving major service plans in limbo, with former advisers and senators warning strategic decisions could be delayed even if day-to-day operations continue.
Early October timing is the immediate obstacle: the Senate is set to leave for its preelection break, then return with a crowded lame-duck agenda centered on appropriations bills and the annual defense policy measure.
Republicans say that calendar leaves little room to confirm President Donald Trump's high-profile Pentagon picks, and acting officials typically lack the mandate and congressional relationships that confirmed leaders use to push major initiatives.
A midterm loss for Trump's party could tighten the window further, giving Republicans only weeks to advance nominees before a Democratic Congress could discard those conservative priorities.