Nearly 8 in 10 veterans believe that government shutdowns are harmful to national security, according to a new poll published amid concerns that the U.S. federal government is headed for another lapse of funding this fall.
Polling of 800 military veterans and active military members by YouGov found that 77% hold this negative view about a shutdown, which occurs when Congress does not pass funding bills and causes non-essential government services to close.
Another 47% said a shutdown was very harmful, while 30% said that it was somewhat harmful for national security. Just 4% said it was either somewhat helpful or very helpful for national security, and 19% said it was neither harmful nor helpful. The polling was carried out between June 12 and 23. It has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.
The survey was carried out as government shutdowns have become more routine in comparison to the past.
There was a 43-day shutdown in the final months of 2025, making it the longest shutdown in history. President Donald Trump ultimately signed a funding bill in mid-November after millions of federal workers suffered pay lapses and were furloughed, in addition to other negative impacts on SNAP benefits, for example.
Meanwhile, another partial government shutdown took place in February, over wrangling about a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Overall, the shutdowns this year have lasted a total of 116 days.
Overall, the YouGov polling found that 65 percent of veterans and active military members oppose government shutdowns, with 45 percent strongly opposing and 20 percent somewhat opposing.
It also found that 73 percent believed the risk of federal government shutdowns is bad for Congress’ ability to help the country succeed, and that 72 percent believe the shutdowns are bad, specifically, for veterans.
And it found that 91 percent would support legislation that would force Congress to stay in Washington DC until they finish the year’s budget legislation and would keep federal programs running.
Future Concerns
There exists trepidation about yet another shutdown before 2026 concludes.
The government is funded until the end of its current fiscal year, through Sept. 30. But if Congress does not pass a stopgap funding bill before Oct. 1 to fund the government until Dec. 4, the government could go into shutdown once more. An August recess in Congress will maximize the risks of another legislative funding shortfall.
The U.S. Capitol sits as a backdrop of the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 10, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle)
The House GOP is trying to pass the measure before it goes on its annual summer recess next week by using a continuing resolution, which has been criticized in the past by the more fiscal conservatives in Congress and in the Republican orbit.
The stopgap bill would buy time so that politicians can pass 12 spending bills through the normal appropriations process.
Meanwhile, the White House has called on Congress to increase funding for certain military health programs, a national security system, and the operations of national parks, as part of any deal before the upcoming deadline.
Veterans Band Together for ‘Accountability’
Concerned Veterans for America is one of the veteran-led groups forcefully speaking out against any future government shutdowns, citing the YouGov polling and other data.
The organization, composed of veterans from every branch of uniformed services and every conflict from World War II to the Global War on Terror, has called on Congress to enact the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (PGSA) to ensure that members of Congress don’t leave Washington until the government is funded, and essential services continue uninterrupted.
“For an organization founded on the belief that veterans’ leadership can help build a stronger America, this is exactly the kind of accountability Americans expect from their elected leaders,” Concerned Veterans for America posted July 20 on its website.
They said that the polling “confirms” how veterans and military families feel about the issue, harming national security and jeopardizing the United States’ future in the process.
“Congress should put the PGSA up for a vote,” they added. “At a time when confidence in government is strained, passing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would demonstrate that Washington can still put service, responsibility, and the country’s interests ahead of political gamesmanship.”
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