The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Continuing Resolution Avoids a Shutdown by Preserving an Untenable Fiscal Status Quo
English Summary
The article argues that passing a Continuing Resolution (CR), while preventing an immediate government shutdown, merely preserves an unsustainable fiscal status quo rather than addressing underlying budgetary crises. Congress is criticized for using the CR as an escape route from difficult choices—such as cutting programs or tackling massive deficits—while simultaneously planning to increase debt through reconciliation packages for defense and agriculture. The core problem remains mandatory spending (Social Security, Medicare) driving debt unsustainably. For genuine fiscal stability, the author advises that Congress must move beyond short-term funding measures, prioritize essential functions, and establish a dedicated process to impose discipline on mandatory programs.
中文摘要
本文論點指出，通過《持續撥款議決》（Continuing Resolution, CR）雖然能避免政府立即關閉，但其本質僅是維持一種不可持續的財政現狀，而非解決根本性的預算危機。文章批評國會利用CR作為逃避艱難選擇的途徑——例如削減部分計畫或處理龐大赤字——同時卻計劃透過和解法案（reconciliation packages）為國防和農業等領域增加債務。核心問題依然是強制性支出（如社會安全、醫療保險）正在推動債務走向不可持續。作者建議，若要實現真正的財政穩定，國會必須超越短期撥款措施，優先處理基本必要功能，並建立一套專門的機制來對強制性項目施加紀律。
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