>> reporter: the pentagon budget has nearly doubled since 9/11. the department will spend $721 billion in fiscal year 2011. $6,110 for every u.s. household and employs 2.3 million people. a recent report from the special inspector general for iraq gave examples of how the defense department still overpays for things civilian can purchase in a hardware store for a fraction of the cost. the military paid contractors $900 for control switch valued at $7.05. $700 for plumbing equipment valued at $1.41. $4,500 for circuit breaker valued at $183.30. the pentagon argues it's already started making cuts in the pending fiscal year 2011 budget proposal it ends the c-17 plane production and stops pursuit of a second engine for the joint strike