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Foreign Policy
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$1 billion+ |
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Improve oversight and management of arms and other military equipment overseas
In 2017, it was revealed that the U.S. Army did not have adequate systems in place for managing over $1 billion worth of arms and military equipment flowing in to Iraq and Kuwait. By implementing better management systems, the Pentagon can save money and improve stability in the region for years to come. Permalink
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$68.61-$72.71 million over 10 years |
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Change the Afghan National Army Uniform
In recent years, DoD has overspent in its purchases of uniforms for the Afghan National Army. By choosing a proprietary camouflage pattern and a different uniform style, costs were up to 43% higher than necessary. Changing these uniforms can save money moving forward. Permalink
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$8 billion per year |
H.R.249 - Defunding United Nations Act of 2017 (Rep. Babin, R-TX) |
Reduce or cancel the funds paid to the United Nations
The U.S. pays more than 176 other member states combined for the regular budget and more than 185 countries combined for the peacekeeping budget. While we are disproportionately funding the UN budget, some argue the benefits the US receives are lacking, and multiple legislative proposals have suggested drawing down or ending US involvement. Permalink
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$20 billion over 10 years |
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Adjust the number of U.S. troops stationed in Europe to meet 21st century needs
Unless there is a national security conflict or concern, the United States could consider removing troops from countries in Europe, particularly allies where no clear strategic need exists. As Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO) has written, these adjustments can be made and "avoid cuts that harm our strategic posture." Permalink
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$300 million per year |
Amendment to transportation spending bill from Senator Rand Paul |
Reduce the foreign aid to Egypt without a specific goal and outcomes
Members of Congress have objected to the Egyptian government receiving US foreign aid. If assistance is given to a country, it should have a specific goal and clear deliverables, argue lawmakers like Senator Rand Paul, who has introduced amendments to end this foreign aid. In 2017, Senate appropriators voted to cut Egypt's economic aid by $37 million and military aid by $300 million amid concerns over the Egyptian government's human rights abuses, a move the Trump administration signaled its support for. Permalink
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$814 million |
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Reduce military aid to Afghan Air Force as US involvement nears 17 years
The Pentagon continues to give military equipment to the Afghan air force, and now 18 years into US involvement, Congress could reevaluate the amount paid and whether there are opportunities for savings and reductions while maintaining the strategic mission. Permalink
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Up to $30 billion per year |
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Privatize much of the war in Afghanistan
In August 2017, the White House and President Trump reportedly mulled the "unprecedented" idea of replacing much of the US military personnel in Afghanistan with private contractors. Details on such a plan have not fully been sketched out, but as the conflict and US involvement continue, such options could be considered as part of an overall cost-savings strategy. Permalink
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$25 billion per year |
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Reduce foreign aid
The U.S. government currently pledges billions of dollars to countries all over the world. Many of the countries that we give foreign assistance to do not have a clear need for this support, and money can end up going to corrupt governments instead of aid to their people. Evaluating current foreign aid spending and limiting unnecessary expenditures could save billions. Permalink
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$1 million per soldier per year |
2017 NDAA Amendment from Senator Rand Paul |
Bring troops back from Afghanistan
Scaling back the number of troops that are deployed in Afghanistan would provide major savings, in both the immediate and long-term. Aside from the costs of operating in a foreign country, the Pentagon would also save on healthcare costs down the road. Permalink
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Improve oversight and management of arms and equipment overseas 
