Army to slow repairs as Congress weighs funds

Above: Armored vehicles returning from Iraq on their way for repairs or parting out.

WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Army will defer spending and slow repair work on any equipment not needed for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan due to Congress' failure to approve $100 billion in extra war funding, the largest branch of the armed forces said on Monday.

The Pentagon also will ask Congress to allow the Defense Department to use $1.6 billion in funds meant for the Navy and Air Force to pay the Army's operating expenses, the Army said.

If funds are not approved by May, further spending restrictions will be made. That, the Army warned, could hurt its ability to take on a new fight.

Read the rest at Reuters/Alternet

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