Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Sep 12, ’25]
Sep 12, 2025
Michael Herson, President of American Defense International, joins Jim Townsend, former Pentagon Europe Chief, Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon Comptroller, and Dr. Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute. They dive into the $892 billion National Defense Authorization Act and the looming potential for a government shutdown. The panel discusses Russia's drone attacks in Poland and its implications for NATO, as well as U.S.-China military diplomacy. Tensions in Europe and defense spending challenges spark urgent calls for bipartisan solutions.
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Partisan Drift In NDAA Process
- The House NDAA became more partisan on the floor despite a bipartisan committee product, creating conference frictions.
- Key differences include top-line funding, acquisition overhauls, and AUMF repeal fights that will shape final policy.
Treat Reconciliation As Nonrecurring
- Account for one-off reconciliations when judging near-term defense increases instead of treating them as recurring.
- Protect R&D and readiness lines from being diverted to non-core uses like domestic Guard missions.
Short CRs, Not Immediate Shutdown
- A shutdown by September 30th looks unlikely but high-drama short CRs are probable as both parties posture.
- Healthcare subsidy and Medicaid cuts are the core Democratic demands shaping CR negotiations and timing.