Senators Press Bush to Outline Iraq Costs

[Nambe]

WASHINGTON (Reuters)

Lawmakers pressed President Bush on Sunday to spell out the cost to Americans of the occupation of Iraq, which a leading Republican said would top $30 billion over five years for operations alone.

Sen. Richard Lugar, an Indiana Republican and chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the $30 billion was in addition to ongoing military costs that have been running about $4 billion a month.

"That's the target," Lugar told the "Fox News Sunday" program. "That's about what the budget was ... during the Saddam days, just to run the country."

Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, wrote in an editorial that it was important the administration be explicit about what is going to be required. ---

Swallow thy arrogant words, oh Pentagon!
Beware the brave Backlash
Of shock and awe
The fear laden memories of the dreaded Shaw
Once shielded by thy merciless sword.

Before lie the multitudes..Vengeful allies of the Dead.
At thine heal, the patient bearers of Truth and Justice
Seek thy head.