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2023 Outlook: Big Things

The new year has gotten off to a chaotic start in Washington. Against that backdrop, DCUC advocacy on behalf of the military credit union community remains constant, ever vigilant and on the lookout.

Provided by John McKechnie

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Here’s a look at what DCUC sees in 2023:

4 Big Things to Know About Congress:

• Congress will continue its push for more defense spending, but a slim Republican majority in the House and Democratic control of the Senate means different political dynamics are in store for defense policy.

• Gear up for gridlock as thin margins in both chambers make legislating difficult. In the House in particular. GOP leaders will need to contend with an increasingly vocal conservative faction that isn’t sold on piling on Pentagon funding and dedicating billions more to assist Ukraine.

• Gridlock could mean more temporary funding measures, rather than annual appropriations bills. And some Hill defense staff are already talking about another late-in-the year NDAA.

• Finally, watch for “woke wars.” Republicans will challenge Biden Pentagon personnel policies they contend are politically motivated and distract from the military’s warfighting mission. That includes efforts to promote diversity, target political extremism, focus on climate change and expand military access to abortion.

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