Budget Standstill Risks Hundreds of Space Force Projects – New Chief Warns of Deepening Fiscal Gap
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — A stopgap budget measure passed by lawmakers earlier this month may have averted a government shutdown, but the continuing resolution set to stretch until mid‑December will still carry considerable consequences for the Space Force, according to its newly appointed top uniformed official.
“We’re thankful that we have a CR entering October,” Gen. Douglas Schiess, who was sworn in as chief of space operations on September 3, said during a briefing with reporters today.
Schiess noted that roughly 90 percent of the Space Force’s programs originate from the previous fiscal year, allowing those to continue under the continuing resolution. However, about 10 percent of the Service’s planned activities cannot proceed without a fresh spending bill or a special legislative carve‑out, often referred to as an anomaly.
“It’s going to slow us down, and the threat isn’t slowing,” Schiess warned. “I urge our congressional colleagues and fellow public servants to prioritize securing a comprehensive budget.”
Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna highlighted that emerging missions—such as space control and space superiority—were essentially non‑existent six years ago, underscoring the need for dedicated acquisition processes to develop and seize the necessary systems for these capabilities.
The FY‑27 budget faces uncertainty as lawmakers debate the Trump administration’s $350 billion defense reconciliation package, and the continuing resolution remains in effect beyond the upcoming November election, when political realignment could shift the balance of power in Washington.
In his first major keynote, Schiess outlined three strategic priorities: forging the “Guardian” ethos, strengthening the Air and Space Force, and integrating guardian capability across scale. He also cited Air Force Secretary Troy Meink’s confirmation that the Space Force already operates “space‑control weapons” in orbit.
“Guardians now possess on‑orbit weapons designed to defend the joint force against space‑enabled threats, and with additional resources we intend to build and sustain a robust combat advantage responsibly.”
Schiess emphasized that transparent disclosure of orbital weapon systems serves a critical deterrence role, reflecting broader military concerns over adversaries’ emerging tactics—such as satellite capture and orbital maneuvering—that challenge current defense postures.
The message reinforces that fulfilling the new chief’s call will hinge on swift Congressional action to secure a full appropriations bill, enabling continued investment in defensive technologies and mission expansion.