Sen. Joni Ernst reveals $77B in ‘secret’ defense spending kept from taxpayers

Source: New York Post

WASHINGTON — Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) revealed to The Post Wednesday that she’s uncovered more than $77 billion in research and development spending by the Pentagon that’s been shielded from taxpayers. The sum included funds for radio equipment, shipbuilding, COVID-19 vaccine development, test kits and therapeutics paid to companies like AstraZeneca and Microsoft between fiscal years 2021 and 2025.