POGO letter supporting Tom Coburn's amendment to restore funding to troops

Dear Senator,

As you consider the FY 2010 Defense Appropriations bill, we ask you to support Senator Tom Coburn's (R-OK) Amendment 2566 to restore $165 million to Operations and Maintenance (O&M) accounts by prohibiting earmarking funds from these accounts. O&M funds are used to train troops for combat, maintain key equipment, and purchase spare parts for weapons needed in the field. Drawing funds from these accounts for programs that the Department of Defense neither wants nor needs is a common budgeting gimmick that directly impacts our troops in the field. It is disturbing that during a time of war Congress would use these funds for their pet projects.

Please support our troops and support Amendment 2566.

Sincerely,

Danielle Brian

Executive Director

Project On Government Oversight