The House Armed Services Committee has issued a fact sheet outlining the national security consequences resulting from the ongoing government shutdown, attributing responsibility to Democrats for not reopening the government. According to the committee, this situation is having a direct impact on America’s combat readiness and affecting both servicemembers and supporting civilians.
“Instead of prioritizing the men and women who serve and protect our country, Democrats are using America’s national security as political leverage,” stated the committee in its release.
One significant concern raised is that 80% of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) workforce has been furloughed. The committee noted that critical projects to modernize nuclear capabilities, restore industrial capacity, and manage nuclear stockpiles have come to a halt. This comes at a time when deterrence against China and Russia is seen as increasingly important.
Servicemembers on active duty, including National Guard and Reservists under federal orders, are required to continue working without pay if funding is not restored by month’s end. The committee highlighted statistics showing that many military families rely on a single income source, face food insecurity, live paycheck to paycheck, or have limited savings.
While essential healthcare remains available for servicemembers and their families, elective surgeries and routine procedures have been suspended. Tuition assistance programs have also been paused, restricting educational opportunities for military personnel. Limitations on permanent changes of station have left some families unable to relocate as planned.
Military procurement processes have also been disrupted due to an inability to enter into or renew contracts during the shutdown. For example, deployment of the Air Force Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) program has experienced a three-month delay—a system described as central to air combat capabilities in response to advancements by China.
Training exercises aimed at deterring adversaries such as China have faced postponements or cancellations. Exercises with allied nations like the Philippines were called off, while planning for larger-scale operations was put on hold. Intelligence work supporting weapons development and geopolitical forecasting has stopped.
Naval ship maintenance delays are increasing backlogs that could be difficult to resolve once normal operations resume.
The shutdown has also affected military education programs: approximately 150 Army professional military education courses were cancelled, impacting nearly 5,000 personnel. Key institutions such as Command and General Staff College are facing instructor shortages. Training necessary for fire services and naval security forces has been delayed.
More than 220,000 Department of Defense civilian employees must continue reporting for duty without pay until funding resumes; another 330,000 civilians—including military technicians—have been furloughed entirely. The committee warns that essential maintenance performed by these workers is being neglected due to furloughs, potentially extending equipment downtime and reducing readiness.
