Congressman Andy Biggs introduces an amendment to audit the Pentagon

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Biggs introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 to restore financial oversight to the Department of Defense (DoD). Specifically, this amendment requires DoD to decrease discretionary spending by .5 percent if they fail to submit their annual financial statement or if the statement has not received an audit opinion by an independent external auditor as required by current law.

"I am proud that the United States of America has the greatest military in the world. Congress must ensure that our Armed Forces have the resources necessary to remain the world's number one fighting force and to keep our nation safe. However, every department has the responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer money, especially given our current fiscal situation. Without accurate financial records, we have no idea if this money is being spent wisely. This is simply unacceptable and our constituents expect more from us. My amendment would bring much needed and long-waited accountability to the Department." – Congressman Andy Biggs

"There are far too many stories of waste and unaccounted for funds at the Pentagon. Taxpayers deserve better. This amendment would bring necessary accountability by requiring the Department of Defense to get its finances in order. At a time when more money is being given to the Pentagon, the least Congress can do is ensure that taxpayers' dollars are being spent wisely and that every dollar is being spent wisely." - Jason Pye, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, FreedomWorks

"The trouble is, how the Pentagon tracks its spending – on its supply chains, procurement, personnel, training, and much more – is related directly to its effectiveness in protecting America. When resources are misallocated, brave service people don't get what they need, where they need it, when it matters most." – Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union

"Americans want responsible government. That's why we need to provide the Department of Defense with the tools and motivations it needs to complete a federal audit and take stock of its resources. National security is too important to be left unaccounted for." - Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform

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Congressman Andy Biggs is a first-term Representative from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, representing parts of Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Queen Creek. Congressman Biggs is a member of the House Judiciary and Science, Space, and Technology committees, and is the chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. He lives with his wife Cindy in Gilbert.