Defense & Aerospace Report

Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Sep 19, ’25]

Sep 19, 2025
This discussion features Michael Herson, a defense policy expert, Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon Europe chief, Dr. Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller, and Dr. Patrick Cronin, an Asia-Pacific security analyst. They delve into the Senate's pause on the National Defense Authorization Act amidst a looming government shutdown. Insights include NATO's challenges with Russian aggression, the implications of Trump's talks with Xi Jinping, and Japan's increasing role in regional security by deploying fighter planes to support NATO efforts.
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ADVICE

Expect A Protracted Shutdown Fight

  • Prepare for a long, politically painful government shutdown if House and Senate can't reconcile competing CRs.
  • Expect stopgap measures to include policy riders like member security and specific defense program protections.
INSIGHT

Pentagon Lacks Comptroller Readiness

  • DOD lacks a confirmed comptroller and that weakens its ability to manage an extended shutdown.
  • Acting officials often avoid initiative, raising real operational risk for Pentagon financial decisions.
ADVICE

Fast-Track Critical Confirmations

  • Use the Senate's changed confirmation rules to remove single-senator holds on subcabinet nominees.
  • Fast-track essential defense confirmations to fill critical DOD roles even if a shutdown occurs.
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