Pentagon Needs War Funding By July 4, Says Gates

By Robert Hune-Kalter
Talk Radio News Service

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday that the military may soon have to resort to doing “stupid things” unless Congress passes a $33 supplemental spending request.

The Senate already approved a measure, but the version in the House has stalled. With funding for the Navy and Marine Corps set to dry up next month, Gates called on the lower chamber to get its act together.

“We begin to have to do stupid things if the supplemental is not passed by July 4,” he said.

Gates and Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also defended the DOD’s budget request for 2011.

“These budget requests reflect America’s commitment to see that our forces have the tools they need to prevail in the wars we are in, and while making the investments necessary to prepare for threats on or beyond the horizon,” said Gates.

DOD is requesting $549 billion dollars for 2011. Gates discussed major priorities of the department and named areas that have been terminated or completed from the 2010 budget. There was discussion on the completion of the C-17 Globemaster and foreseeable closure of the production line.

“I question why it is in our nation’s interest to close the only active production line for long range air lifters when there is no replacement being developed,” said Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.)

Mullen said that based on extensive studies, the requirement for the C-17 is not needed beyond the 223 currently in service. He stressed the importance of balance between the advancement of all aspects of the military.

“We must maintain our conventional advantages,” said Mullen. “It means never having to fight a fair fight.”