Bush seeks more war funding
23/10/2007| IslamWeb
The
George Bush's request on Monday comes amid deep skepticism among politicians opposed to prolonging the
If approved, the funding would make 2008, the new fiscal year for military operations beginning on October 1, the most expensive year in the two wars.
In announcing the latest war request, Bush prodded congress to approve the request swiftly and unconditionally.
Urging members who claim to support US troops to "show it", Bush said: "They should pass a good, clean bill as soon as possible."
"Congress should not go home for the holidays while our troops are still waiting for the funds they need."
Additional billions
Early this year, the Pentagon had asked for $141.7bn for the
In July, the Pentagon sought $5.3bn more to buy additional military vehicles with V-shaped hulls to disperse the impact of bombs.
The documents sent to congress on Monday asked for another $42.3bn, bringing the Pentagon total to $189.3bn.
Robert Byrd, the senate appropriations committee chairman, said there would be no "blank cheques" for the war.
"Every line-item will be scrutinized," he said. "Hearings will be held to determine the need for this spending request. Tough questions will be asked of this administration."
Interim fund
Earlier this month, legislators said they would not consider new war funding requests until early 2008 and that it should be related to plans for troop withdrawal.
But they left open the possibility of a "bridge fund", an interim measure to pay for the wars.
Harry Reid, the senate majority leader and war opponent, noted that Bush had recently vetoed a bill to expand a popular children's health program.
He added, "We've been fighting for
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