Rep. Skelton Warns of Wartime Presidential Transition

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) today cautioned that this presidential election could mark a turning point in U.S. defense policy, as it will be the first wartime presidential transition since the Vietnam era.

“This will be the first Presidential transition to occur during a time of war in many years. In addition, the next administration will face enormous budget pressures caused by an increase in the national debt that will have nearly doubled since 2001,” Skelton said.

Skelton used the cautionary comment to introduce his list of the top 10 defense-related challenges the next administration will face. Skelton cautioned that the next president–whether it be Barack Obama or John McCain–must address the list of broad policy concerns in order to protect the U.S. and respect its military men and women.

The list included rebuilding America’s foreign policy credibility, refocusing military efforts on Afghanistan, withdrawing from Iraq, maintaining troop readiness, reforming Defense Department coordination with the State Department, determining budget priorities for maintaining vs. modernizing equipment, and developing a more comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that includes “communications strategies” and development assistance.

Skelton said those challenges will “require sustained spending and the partnership of the Congress” with the new administration, regardless of which party takes the White House.