Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Congressional appropriators to pass a regular defense funding bill before the inauguration of the new president, rather than relying on a six-month stopgap measure proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson.

In his letter, Austin emphasized that a continuing resolution would harm U.S. national security and the Pentagon’s readiness, noting that it would be the second consecutive year of delayed funding.

He called for immediate action after the election to uphold the tradition of timely defense funding and avoid undermining national security during the presidential transition period, ABC News has reported.

Written by B.C. Begley