The National Debt: A Looming Threat to National Security
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other Department of Defense officials recently appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss the DOD’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. While topics like China, Ukraine, and energy were discussed, the glaring omission of the national debt as a key threat to national security raised eyebrows.
With the national debt surpassing $34 trillion and growing, experts have long warned about the implications of unsustainable fiscal policy on national security. The need to service the debt could crowd out other priorities, impede economic growth, and weaken the country’s global standing.
Despite warnings from organizations like the Brookings Institute and the Coalition for Fiscal and National Security, the issue of the national debt was not a focal point at the recent hearing. Secretary Austin faced pressure to request more funding, but without significant reforms, future funds are far from guaranteed.
Some lawmakers, like Rep. Andy Biggs and Sen. Mike Braun, have taken steps to address the national debt as a national security threat. However, the lack of action from Congress highlights a concerning lack of seriousness in addressing the issue.
By ignoring the growing national debt, lawmakers are not only jeopardizing the country’s financial stability but also undermining the Department of Defense’s ability to respond to threats. It’s a warning that has been sounded for years, and the consequences of inaction could be severe.
