Defense & Aerospace Report Jan 16, ’26 Washington Roundtable]
Jan 16, 2026
Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon Europe chief, and Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller, delve into the implications of U.S. appropriations on national security and potential shutdown risks. They analyze recent Senate votes affecting war powers, the geopolitical significance of Greenland, and NATO's evolving role. Townsend discusses the legacy of the Cold War in the Arctic and the shifting European security landscape. Zakheim assesses Iran's internal turmoil and U.S. diplomatic strategies, emphasizing the need for allied cooperation in a competitive global arena.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Appropriations Momentum Likely Avoids Shutdown
- Bipartisan momentum is moving most appropriations bills and may avoid a shutdown by Jan 30.
- Leaders expect 11 of 12 bills done, with Homeland Security possibly needing a short CR.
Reconciliation 2 Faces Tough Political Headwinds
- A second reconciliation bill for large defense increases faces steep political and procedural hurdles.
- Pay-fors and internal GOP opposition make a $650B defense add unlikely in short order.
President Retains Firm Control Over GOP Foreign Policy Votes
- The Senate vote showed strong presidential control of the GOP on foreign policy moves.
- Republicans flipped procedural support to block a War Powers-style constraint on action toward Venezuela.