US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told Congress on September 24, 2003 that a Bush administration supplemental budget request of $87 billion is essential for the security of the United States and to ensure stability in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the Middle East.
The request consists of $51 billion for continuing military operations in Iraq and approximately $11.5 billion for military operations in Afghanistan. It also includes $20.3 billion for the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq and $800 million for reconstruction in Afghanistan as well as approximately four billion dollars in funding for the Department of State and other activities such as security enhancements.
Rumsfeld said the funds for the CPA are needed to help the Iraqis take responsibility for their own security and will provide training for the Iraqi police force, Iraqi army, and border guard service. Funding for continuing military operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan will provide for military pay, fuel, transportation, maintenance, weapons, equipment, lifesaving body armor and ammunition, he said. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
