Pentagon wants omnibus reprogramming proposals by April 22

The Pentagon comptroller wants all potential omnibus reprogramming requests for fiscal year 2019 to be submitted by April 22, according to a new memo.

"This request and suspense is earlier than previous years due to an appropriation received on time, and the necessity of support priorities with detailed decision options,” according to the April 11 memo signed by acting Pentagon Comptroller Elaine McCusker.

"The department must identify risks associated with limited funding sources as early as possible to better prioritize requirements that most directly support the National Defense Strategy," the memo states.

Reprogramming has become a politically sensitive issue for the Defense Department recently, as many lawmakers have noted their displeasure with a unilateral $1 billion funding transfer to begin building 57 miles of fencing on the southern border.

The Pentagon is looking to reprogram as much as $1.5 billion more for border fencing, but has yet to identify potential sources.

Additionally, DOD is looking to defer up to $3.6 billion in military construction projects so the funds can be used to build border barriers. Senior Pentagon officials said the department has asked the military to submit lists of projects that can be deferred by May 10.