After months of uncertainty, the FY 2013 defense budget appears to be settled. On March 26, President Obama signed H.R. 933 into law, which replaces the continuing resolution with a regular defense appropriations bill but leaves sequestration in effect. As attention now turns to the FY 2014 budget and the Administration’s much-delayed budget request, the fundamental issues that led to uncertainty and delays in the FY 2013 budget remain unresolved. These issues could lead to a similar outcome in FY 2014—more delays, more uncertainty, and ultimately another sequester.
In this backgrounder, Todd Harrison shares his outlook for the FY 2014 defense budget and discusses the long-term structural issues the Pentagon must address.