Policy Studies Governance

Defending America, defending taxpayers

As conservative organizations, the R Street Institute and National Taxpayers Union believe strongly in a robust national defense. However, our groups also believe strongly in exercising fiscal discipline in all areas of the federal budget. As by far the largest portion of discretionary spending, Pentagon expenditures must not escape scrutiny as conservatives examine methods for reducing our staggering debt.

That is why we have joined together to produce this report. By aggregating research from various reliable sources, we hope to demonstrate that the “universe” of programs and processes in need of reform at the Pentagon is more than large enough to allow for compliance with so-called sequestration while maintaining the strongest and most capable military the world has ever known.

What follows is a written report and appendices with 100 specific recommendations that fall into three broad categories, totaling nearly $1.9 trillion.

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