Inside Report (5)

As the price for its relatively fat budget, the Pentagon may finally have to submit to congressional oversight. The generals and admirals have long resisted such a move on grounds that national security and the defense secretary's status as third in line for command authority (behind the President and vice-president) should exempt them from such prying.

The House last year approved a bill expanding the inspector-general program to cover defense. Congress expired before the Senate could act, but the legislation will be taken up again after spring recess.

Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger hopes to pacify the lawmakers by appointing a special assistant for audit investigation. But that may not put off lawmakers who want their own "general" keeping an eye on t he Pentagon.m