DoD defends its budget request

The Defense Department defended its budget request yesterday telling the Senate Budget Committee about its plans to be more efficient and agile. Leaders also pu...

The Defense Department defended its budget request yesterday telling the Senate Budget Committee about its plans to be more efficient and agile. Leaders also pushed back against the looming $500 billion cut from sequestration.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the Pentagon will save $259 billion over the next five years through a series of initiatives.

For instance, the Army hopes to reduce spending by almost $19 billion by streamlining support functions, consolidating technology services and rephasing military construction projects.

Panetta also made his case for another round of base closures despite their unpopularity among lawmakers as a money saving effort.

DoD does plan to invest in a handful of specific areas including $12 billion for research and development and more than $3 billion for cyber activities.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.