GAO: Major Defense weapons systems not fully funded

The Defense Department is spending more on its major weapons programs than it can financially support, deferring the costs of multibillion-dollar programs well into the future, according to a report that congressional investigators issued on July 3.

The Government Accountability Office found that the Pentagon often does not allocate full funding to develop its most expensive weapons systems -- despite a departmental policy that requires a long-term budgetary approach.

"At a time when the federal budget is strained by spending needs for a growing number of national priorities, it is imperative that DoD get the best value for every dollar of its significant investments," the report said. "Yet DoD has more major weapons system programs in its portfolio than it can afford." ...