Iraq, Afghanistan Funds to Dry Up

[UpInArms]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-chiefs11feb11,1,4049690.story?coll=la-headlines-nation
(free registration required)

WASHINGTON — American military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan will run out of money in September, leaving the Pentagon scrambling to cover as much as $19 billion in costs until the White House seeks additional funding through an emergency measure expected in January, top defense officials said Tuesday.

The Army and Marines, the branches with the most troops on the ground, expect to spend about $56.5 billion fighting on two fronts this year, almost all in Iraq. The Army, which has the majority of troops involved, is spending about $55 billion a year in the two countries, Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker, the Army chief of staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Marines expect to spend $1.5 billion.

As head of the most acutely stretched military service, Schoomaker said, he did not know how the Army would make up the shortfall for the 120,000 soldiers in the Persian Gulf.

<snip>

President Bush's military budget request of $401.7 billion increases spending by 7%. But that figure includes nothing to fund the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also not covered is Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld's decision to temporarily increase the Army by 30,000 troops to staff the Iraqi reconstruction effort. Pentagon officials have said they will ask for additional money for that budget measure next year.

...more...

[Ganja Ninja]

1. Can't wait to hear the reaction when Bush asks for more money.

This ought to make those poll numbers bounce.

[Palacsinta]

2. Am I nuts? Didn't Rummy say........

OVER AND OVER that troop strength was exactly at the right number and that in fact, we would be REDUCING the number of troops? It is so hard to keep track of the "mis-statements", not to mention the OBSCENE amount of money!

[Enraged_Ape]

3. Love the timing for their request for another $19B: January, 2005

A nice little going-away present from Georgie to his Democratic successor.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out, monkey man.

[Drifter]

4. This should be an issue ...

The fact that they have already blown the 87B, and are coming back for more. Not to mention that there is no timetable to slow the spending pace.

A Billion Dollars a week, with no end in sight.

Cheers
Drifter

[UpInArms]

6. they have gone through much more than $87 Billion

that was the second installment -

The first was in April 2003 for $79 Billion -

add the two together and you have

$166 Billion

[Sperk]

5. "War cancelled due to lack of funds"

would make a nice headline, wouldn't it?

[NWHarkness]

7. Great timing for us!

I think the real beginning of the end for Bush was when he asked for the $87B, that's when Joe and jane Public started to re-examine their support for him.

So, if he has to ask for more Iraq money right in the middle of the campaign, that's going to be like giving the Democratic candidate free bonus votes.

[htuttle]

8. Actually, I think he plans on NOT asking for more until after November

That's the thing. He's just going to let the troops run out of stuff until then so he can try to get re-elected.

Food? Water? Ha! The Roman Legion used to forage the countryside they'd conquered. I'm sure our boys can do the same!