Number: RL31404
Title: Defense Procurement: Full Funding Policy - Background, Issues, and Options for Congress
Authors: Ronald O'Rourke and Stephen Daggett, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Congress has several options for responding to recent proposals for procuring DOD ships and aircraft with funding mechanisms that do not conform to the full funding policy. These options could have the effect of terminating, modifying, maintaining, or strengthening the full funding policy. In weighing these options, Congress may consider several factors, including Congress's power of the purse, its ability to conduct oversight of DOD procurement programs, the impact on future Congresses, DOD budgeting discipline, and the potential impact on weapon costs. The process of weighing options may involve balancing a need to meet DOD procurement goals within available funding against the goal of preserving Congress's control over DOD spending and its ability to conduct oversight of DOD programs.
Pages: 66
Date: June 15, 2007