DOD preparing for short-term CR

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon’s comptroller is preparing for the Defense Department to be operating under another continuing resolution (CR) for the short run at the end of FY 2017. However, David Norquist is optimistic a government shutdown can be avoided. The budget officer said he would not be surprised if Congress, which has been on recess and doesn’t return to work until September, opts for a CR as a bridge for the start of FY-18 (Oct. 1). Congress will also have to deal with the FY-18 budget and raising the nation’s debt ceiling, infrastructure and tax legislation. The last government shutdown was for 18 days in October 2013, resulting in unpaid furloughs for DOD and VA civilian workers. Military pay and benefits were delayed, and daycare and commissary operations were disrupted. DOD will be ready with plans if a shutdown occurs, he claimed. (Source: Defense News 08/24/17) Gulf Coast Note: There are multiple military bases across Mississippi, including NAS Meridian, Columbus and Keesler AFBs, Stennis Space Center, and NCBC Gulfport. A new CR would simply kick the can further down the road, but is preferable to a shutdown something trade groups are warning defense companies to get prepared.