Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jul 7
Pentagon Runs Short of Cash Despite Nearly $1 Trillion Budget
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Jul 7

Pentagon Runs Short of Cash Despite Nearly $1 Trillion Budget

2 articles · Updated · NBC News · Jul 7

Summary

  • $1 trillion in funding has not prevented the Pentagon from running short of cash, according to U.S. officials, a former defense official, outside experts and congressional staff members.
  • The squeeze reflects a mismatch between the Defense Department's huge topline budget and the cash available to cover near-term obligations.
  • The shortfall highlights funding-management strain inside one of the federal government's largest agencies despite record defense spending.

Insights

With a trillion-dollar budget, why do half of all military families face extreme financial stress?
The Pentagon can't track trillions. Is this mismanagement or a national security crisis?
After 30 years of failed audits, can technology finally fix the Pentagon's black hole budget?