Hi Reader,

The Defense Department spends hundreds of billions each year in taxpayer money. ProPublica recently published a deep dive into a military project that illustrates how some of that money is wasted.

The Inside Story of How the Navy Spent Billions on the “Little Crappy Ship” examines one of the most expensive failed military projects in recent memory: the littoral combat ship program. This project was initially meant to launch the Navy into the future, but it never delivered on that promise. Instead, these ships suffered repeated breakdowns, increased price tags, defective weapons systems and much more. Despite all this, including repeated warnings from sailors and others, the program survived, and even expanded under Congress’ watch for almost two decades.

I know you agree that our fundamental right as taxpayers in America is that we’re entitled to know how our government spends money. But actually following that money can be extremely difficult. Reporter Joaquin Sapien spent months on this investigation to provide us with a thorough and accurate look at a sweeping program that could cost Americans more than $100 billion, with little to show for it. ProPublica is able to provide this kind of in-depth journalism because support from readers like you ensures we have the time and resources to dig deeper than other news organizations.

Our fall member drive is well under way and I am so grateful for the swell of support from our readers this week. If you’re in a position to do so, I’m asking you to join us today. ProPublica reporters are busy working on investigations into judiciary ethics, insurance company denials, the climate crisis and much more. Your gift today will help ensure that we have the resources we urgently need to continue reporting on these critical issues.

Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican