WP: Hill Braces for Iraq Request

[kskiska]

Lawmakers Want Details From Bush

Friday, September 5, 2003; Page A01

Lawmakers in both parties expressed surprise yesterday at the newly disclosed White House estimates for spending in postwar Iraq and said they will demand many details President Bush has withheld so far, including an exit strategy and a multiyear forecast, as the price of their support.

The White House has told congressional leaders to expect a budget request of $60 billion to $70 billion for occupying and rebuilding Iraq next year. White House officials said yesterday that the request is still in flux, and could be closer to $50 billion.

The plan could be submitted within the next two weeks, Capitol Hill sources said. The unexpectedly high amounts reflect a White House conclusion that Iraqi oil revenue and allies' contributions will be less than estimated before the war, the sources said.

The result is likely to be weeks of scrutiny of Bush's mission in Iraq. Rep. Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, said that before approving tens of billions of dollars to continue U.S. operations in Iraq, he wants to see "the light at the end of the tunnel."

(snip)

Despite such expressions of skepticism, House and Senate leaders said Bush is likely to get whatever he requests. Some GOP-controlled committees plan to demand more detail and accountability than the White House has provided in the past. "Even when your house blows down, the insurance company asks you for three estimates," a Republican congressional aide said.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28097-2003Sep4.html

[kainah]

1. $1 billion for Afghanistan?????

Congressional sources said the most likely breakdown of the request will be about $55 billion for the Pentagon and close to $15 billion for relief and reconstruction, including money for training foreign forces and about $1 billion for Afghanistan.

I get it -- come close to the truth on Iraq (for a while) but lie your ass off about the cost of Afghanistan. :grr: