[lbo-talk] AP: Iraq/Afghanistan costs up to $400 Bln

[Michael Pollak]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002522926_warspend27.html

    Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - 12:00 AM

    Senate measure would push Iraq, Afghanistan war costs to $400 billion

    By Liz Sidoti

    The Associated Press

    WASHINGTON -- The Senate would give President Bush $50 billion more

    for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of a $440 billion

    defense-spending measure a panel approved yesterday.

    The House already has approved $45 billion more for the wars as part

    of its $409 billion version of the bill providing money for the

    Defense Department for the budget year that begins Oct. 1.

<snip>

    Overall, Congress already has given the president about $350 billion

    for combat and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan and fighting

    terrorism worldwide since the Sept. 11 attacks, according to the

    Congressional Research Service. That total includes $82 billion that

    lawmakers approved in May.

    The Bush administration has not yet asked for more war money, but

    lawmakers are reluctant to wait for a formal request. Costs are

    certain, given that there's no end in sight to involvement in Iraq or

    Afghanistan.

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Michael