Overseas Contingency Slush Fund

Federal funds designated for “overseas contingency operations” are supposed to be for unplanned expenses associated with war. But the funds avoid federal budget caps on military spending and avoid normal scrutiny associated with other federal spending priorities. Now that the war in Afghanistan is winding down, Christopher A. Preble argues it’s time for lawmakers to zero out that spending.

Truth in Budgeting and Personnel Costs in the OCO