Washington Examiner

Pentagon criticized for 5 audit failures, 61% asset loss blamed on Zelensky.

Rep. ‌Clay⁢ Higgins​ Slams‍ Department of‍ Defense’s Financial Failures

During a​ House Committee on ​Oversight and⁤ Accountability ‍hearing,​ Rep. Clay Higgins ⁤(R-LA) passionately criticized the ⁤Department⁢ of ‌Defense (DOD) for⁤ its repeated financial mismanagement.⁤ Higgins‍ highlighted the DOD’s failure to pass its fifth consecutive ‌audit and its inability⁢ to account for ⁣a staggering⁣ 61% of its $3.5​ trillion in assets.

A Call for Accountability

Addressing​ Brett Mansfield, the deputy ‌inspector general for audits at⁢ the DOD Office of‍ Inspector General,⁣ Higgins​ drew attention⁣ to the nation’s‌ $32 ‍trillion debt. He compared the private sector’s practice ⁢of⁣ auditing‌ businesses before providing ‍additional funds to the ​DOD’s⁣ expectation of​ increased expenditures despite ‍its financial shortcomings.

“If the ‌business ⁣fails the audit⁣ [by the ⁢bank], what do you think happens? Can ‍that business⁤ go ⁤to the bank and ​get​ more⁣ money?” the ‍congressman ⁤asked.

“It ⁣cannot,” Mansfield responded.

Higgins emphasized the⁤ issue,​ stating, “Here’s⁤ the ‌problem ⁣with this bank: we ​don’t even have the money.⁣ We’re⁢ giving you​ a ⁤trillion dollars​ a⁢ year almost ⁣now,‍ and we just ‌added a trillion dollars.”⁢ He condemned ⁤the DOD’s spending as an⁤ “arrogantly abusive culture” that devours “the people’s wealth.”

A Demand for Change

Concluding ‌his remarks, Higgins called⁤ on the⁣ witnesses⁤ to ensure a clean audit‌ for the DOD. The exchange between⁣ the congressman and ‍the DOD’s ​Office ‌of ‍Inspector ⁣General gained significant attention, with social media ⁢users expressing their‌ concerns and ​frustrations.

“I’m sure it’s all gone to ​Zelensky!”‍ social ‌media commentator ‌Oli ⁣London tweeted.

“Totally unacceptable,”​ another user ⁤responded.

“It’s easy ⁤to ⁤spend ⁤other ‍people’s⁤ money,” added‍ another.

“What’s⁤ happening​ to all our⁤ ammo with‌ all the money‍ we’re pouring into the⁢ DOD/Ukraine.. Audit now!”⁣ tweeted another commentator.

In March, ‌Republican ⁢lawmakers initiated an investigation into ⁢the ⁢DOD’s failure to⁣ prevent waste, fraud, and‍ abuse.⁢ The investigation​ was prompted by the DOD’s loss of ‍61% of its $3.5‍ trillion in assets and its fifth consecutive⁣ failed audit in November. In ⁢a letter to Defense ⁣Secretary⁢ Lloyd⁤ Austin, ‍the⁣ lawmakers expressed concern over the ⁢DOD’s ⁤disregard for⁢ taxpayer funds and⁢ its impact on ⁤military readiness.

Click here to read more ⁤from The ​Washington Examiner.



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