Pentagon tries to avoid cuts to key modernization programs

Posted on: Nov. 1st, 2005 || Source: thehill.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

The Pentagon is trying to persuade appropriators not to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from some of its priority modernization programs, which were featured in the 2006 defense budget.

That move comes as Department of Defense (DoD) officials are considering $8 billion in cuts for 2007, trying to preempt some of those that Congress could impose as it tries to rein in overall spending. At the same time, Congress also is becoming increasingly critical of weapons systems that exceed their budgets and fail to meet schedule goals.

Defense appropriators are considering several packages of appeals the Defense Department submitted earlier this month, protesting potential trims to programs in 2006. But some, if not all, of the Pentagon’s pleas could be dismissed. Senate and House appropriators are now working to iron out some outstanding differences — worth millions in the two chambers’ version of the bill — before they meet Friday in conference.

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