Investigation into Pentagon’s Research Spending Announced

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, made an announcement on Wednesday regarding an upcoming investigation by the Army’s inspector general. This inquiry will focus on the Pentagon’s failure to disclose the costs associated with its research initiatives.

According to War Department Inspector General Pratt Mohring, the Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged Ernst’s concerns about the department’s compliance with the Cost Freedom and Expenditure Transparency Act of 2021. In a letter dated February 25, the department indicated it would review the issue. Mohring also mentioned that Ernst had raised questions about this compliance during his confirmation hearing the previous October. This law requires federal research to openly disclose its costs to taxpayers.

“Thank you for your letter dated February 11, 2026, which asked the DoD Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) to assess the Department’s efforts in complying with the Cost Openness and Transparency (COST) Act,” Mohring stated.

He added, “I appreciated our discussions on this during your confirmation hearing last October. My office will look into your request and provide updates accordingly.”

Ernst conveyed to the Daily Caller News Foundation that the lack of transparency has contributed to inefficient spending, which was evident in the Corps’ unsuccessful audit.

“Sunshine is the best disinfectant. I intend to shed light on all sorts of secret government expenditures,” Ernst explained. “The Biden administration hasn’t been enforcing the existing laws or publicly sharing spending details, which is likely why the Pentagon remains the only agency to have failed an audit.”

She further remarked, “I have requested the inspector general to initiate an investigation into why research and development projects funded by defense resources are not adhering to transparency requirements. It’s essential for taxpayers to understand how their money is utilized, especially in support of our military personnel.”

In her correspondence with Mohring, Ernst pointed out several critical issues, including a study backed by the Biden administration using funds from the Army’s R&D budget. This study touches on topics like “octopus hypnosis” as a potential alternative to anesthesia, the sleep patterns of elephant seals, and various other unconventional research topics.

In September 2025, the Army reportedly spent $93 billion to avoid the “use it or lose it” policy, which included allocations such as $2.4 billion on laptops and software, $1.8 million on musical instruments—including a grand piano from Japan—and $225 million on furniture.