Defense Budget: Effects of Continuing Resolutions on Selected Activities and Programs Critical to DOD's National Security Mission : Government Accountability Office (GAO) , January 21 , 2026
Defense Budget: Effects of Continuing Resolutions on Selected Activities and Programs Critical to DOD's National Security Mission : Government Accountability Office (GAO) , January 21 , 2026
From the report: “The U.S. military conducts operations around the globe while staying ready to immediately respond to new and emerging security threats. In all but 12 of the last 49 fiscal years, the Department of Defense (DOD) has had to carry out its critical national security mission while operating under temporary appropriations in the form of continuing resolutions (CR). Under CRs, there is uncertainty for agencies about when they will receive their final appropriation and what amount of funding will be available for a fiscal year that has already begun. In addition, CRs include constraints that, among other things, place limits on starting new programs or increasing production of weapon systems and munitions.
DOD officials have stated publicly in recent years that CRs hamper the military services’ ability to accomplish their missions and carry out management functions. DOD has made adjustments to continue to meet mission needs under the constraints of CRs. Available data do not allow for a precise measure of the extent of the effects of CRs on DOD operations in many cases. However, officials from the selected activities and programs that GAO reviewed reported facing delays, increased costs, operational challenges, spending challenges, and administrative burdens as a result of CRs.”
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