Fiscal Oversight of the Budget for Defense Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Fiscal Years 1983-1992
Abstract
This thesis examines the importance of the defense Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The relevance and value of the budget are addressed. The composition and size of the RDT&E budget as a share of the defense and investment budgets over time are evaluated. The origin of congressional oversight and the development of Department of Defense RDT&E budget formats are explained. The defense, procurement, and RDT&E budgets are examined from Presidential request through the appropriation over a ten year period. Analysis includes the authorization and appropriation changes to the budget, as well as the House and Senate impact on the three budgets. Five major conclusions were drawn. First, the period between FY 1983 and FY 1988 saw significantly greater conflict between Congress and the executive branch over priorities regarding the defense budget. Second, the budget reductions were smaller during the FY 1989 to FY 1992 period due to greater cooperation between the President and Congress and between the two houses of Congress. Third, the Senate is more supportive of RDT&E spending than is the House. Fourth, the appropriation for procurement was funded more than the presidential request three of the four years during the FY 1989 to FY 1992 period. Fifth, the RDT&E budget receives the greatest relative reductions from both the authorization and appropriation committees. Research and development, RDT&E, Defense research and development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA269603
Entities
People
- Gregory W. Eaton
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School