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Pentagon's $9M Seafood Spending Sparks Outrage Amid Budget Cuts

3/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pentagon faces criticism for spending during a use-it-or-lose-it spree as agencies rush to spend funds.
Critics point to $2 million on Alaskan king crab and $6.9 million on lobster tail as examples of waste.
With the defense budget at $1.5 trillion, it nears parity with military expenditures, drawing scrutiny.
Watchdog groups urge reforms to curb such spending while essential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face cuts.

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Story summary

The Pentagon faces criticism for spending during a use-it-or-lose-it spree as agencies rush to spend funds.
Critics point to $2 million on Alaskan king crab and $6.9 million on lobster tail as examples of waste.
With the defense budget at $1.5 trillion, it nears parity with military expenditures, drawing scrutiny.
Watchdog groups urge reforms to curb such spending while essential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face cuts.