Shutdown Threatens National Defense and Cyber Defenses, Warns Key Official

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks warns that a government shutdown would have damaging effects on national defense and urges Congress to fund the government or pass a continuing resolution by the end of the fiscal year to avoid a shutdown. A shutdown would impact operational planning, coordination, and the ability to recruit and retain quality individuals for military service. It would also play into the hands of U.S. competitors, such as China, and have significant repercussions for military members and their families, including delayed pay and halted permanent change of station moves.