BRAC squabbling pushed Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) temporarily to table the annual defense authorization bill. It’s resurrection is more uncertain every day. The Hill reports that the measure will not surface on the Senate floor until Oct. 1, or later, prompting Capitol Hill staffers to predict a continuing resolution before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…