In putting together the fiscal year 2001 defense budget request last year, Pentagon budget planners were counting on a supplemental appropriations bill to supply funding to carry some commands through the final two quarters of the fiscal year, Pacific Command Commander-in-Chief Adm. Dennis Blair told a Senate committee this morning. Blair told the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee that his command is facing a $317 million shortfall in funds needed to keep Navy and Marine Corps aircraft flying through the remainder...
