Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will not support Defense Department reprogramming requests until he receives a financial report of transfers throughout the last two years, Defense News reported.
“I will not support any further reprogramming requests for new, unauthorized programs except for emergency requirements,†McCain wrote in a letter relayed to Secretary Leon Panetta on March 9.
The letter was made public on March 13, according to Defense News.
McCain is the ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Reprogramming refers to the shifting of budget allocations for different purposes as needed through-out the year.
The government uses it to cover fiscal deficiencies in areas like defense or weapons programs, unexpected personnel costs and maintenance.
Last year Congress approved between $12 billion and $15 billion in transfers, according to Defense News.
McCain has the authority to obstruct reprogramming requests since he is one of eight people who must approve the money transfers.
