Rogers: Bush likely to ask for several billion for Iraq restoration

Fort Worth Star Telegram ^ | 8/28/03

[LibWhacker]

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan U.S. Rep.Mike Rogers said Thursday he expects President Bush to ask Congress for $11 billion-$15 billion to continue reconstruction in Iraq.

During a telephone interview from Turkey after touring a few regions of Iraq this week, Rogers said he hopes the Bush administration's supplemental budget request comes soon.

"We need to get this money in there working now so we don't need to spend more later," said Rogers, R-Brighton. "What we invest today I know we're going get back."

A presidential spokeswoman said Wednesday the administration is working on a supplemental budget request but couldn't say how much it will seek from Congress.

Rogers said military forces in Iraq don't need additional troops, but they need more intelligence and more civilian employees to get the electricity running.

The Bush administration said this week it's open to the possibility of establishing a U.N.-endorsed multinational force in Iraq if it is headed by an American commander.

Rogers said that while the United Nations has been helpful to U.S. efforts in Iraq, the United States shouldn't turn over security of Iraq to the United Nations.

[Rockitz]

How about "US Taxpayers to ask Iraq for $11-15B worth of oil?" This sucks!