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.
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant, and I’m shining a light on any and all government secret spending. Now that we know that over $77 billion in Pentagon spending was unlawfully hidden from taxpayers, I’m lifting the veil,” Ernst said.
“This is exactly why my Stop Secret Spending Act, which the House Government Oversight Committee is moving forward today, must be signed into law, so Americans can know how every single one of their hard-earned dollars is being spent.”
The funding is made possible through a process known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) that allow federal agencies to circumvent transparency usually mandated by acquisition laws and regulations.
Ernst is seeking to place an amendment in the annual defense bill that would force the feds to disclose all such spending in the future, so Americans know exactly what their taxpayer dollars are funding.
In 2024, the retired lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard uncovered $18 billion in similar off-the-books spending.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has also found more than $40 billion shelled out between fiscal years 2020 and 2022 out of sight of taxpayers.
The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 forces the government to disclose all contracts, grants, loans and most financial assistance that exceeds $25,000.
Aides noted that even as a sitting US senator, Ernst had to jump through hoops just to determine where the funding was going when digging into the past five fiscal years.
The Senate DOGE Caucus boss has also led multiple efforts to trim federal spending, often by highlighting excessive costs paid by various agencies.
In September, Ernst announced that she would not seek re-election to a third term in 2026.
“It has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country,” she told supporters in a video statement, thanking them for providing “so much love and support” during her career in the military and public service.
“We’ve cut waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government and [reined] in overburdensome rules and regulations,” Ernst added.
“We’ve protected the lives of the unborn; prevented violence against women; supported our hard-working farmers, families and small businesses; honored and fought for our fellow veterans; and strengthened our military and the brave men and women who chose to serve,”
