We’ve chronicled here how the Congress has refused to fund the war on terror. Congress is approaching a critical deadline, as Secretary Gates recently testified before the Senate that the Pentagon will not have the funds necessary to pay troops as of June 15, unless the Congress approves a reprogramming of other funds. Now Congressman John Murtha has decided to stand in the way:
The Pentagon has already borrowed against its fourth quarter budget to cover current military expenses. Additionally, the soaring cost of oil has put a significant dent in DoD accounts. Further, Congress shows no sign of having figured out how to buy off competing Democratic constituencies to pass a funding bill, and Democratic leaders refuse to bring for a vote clean legislation that would pass with largely Republican support. Nevertheless, Murtha believes it’s appropriate to nickel and dime the Pentagon, while holding up long-term funding. But don’t worry: Congress supports the troops.
