WASHINGTON – A new report says the United States is footing more of the bill for overseas bases in Germany, Japan and South Korea even as the military reduces American troops in Europe and repositions forces in Asia.
The United States spends $10 billion on permanent overseas bases, 70 percent of that in the three countries. The Senate Armed Services Committee's yearlong investigation focused on the costs, burden-sharing and congressional oversight of the bases.
The report identified inherent problems and missteps as U.S. facilities on foreign lands are returned to the host nations and the Americans receive compensation.
The Pentagon is facing the pressure of deficit-driven, smaller budgets while looking to scale back or close overseas and U.S. domestic bases.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the report.
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