Defense earmarks went beyond mission, IG says

By Robert Brodsky

Members of Congress appropriated more than $18 million in Defense Department earmarks in fiscal 2007 for projects that either were not needed or failed to support the Pentagon's mission, according to a report released on Friday.

The Defense Department inspector general reviewed 219 earmarks, each valued at less than $15 million, in the 2007 Defense appropriations bill. Those earmarks were worth a combined $5.87 billion.

While the majority supported Defense Department goals, at least five did not, according to the report. For example, the IG determined a $2 million earmark to support the Army's Night Hunter/Night Hunter II program was unnecessary. The Army agreed and told the IG that it "has no requirements" for the electro-optic and infrared system, which is used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting. It has since placed those funds on hold. ...