Gates estimates 2009 war costs at $136 billion

[unhappycamper]

Gates estimates 2009 war costs at $136 billion
By Andrew Taylor - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 7, 2009 9:09:23 EST

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan would cost almost $136 billion for the 2009 budget year that began Oct. 1 if they continue at their current pace.

Speaking for neither his current boss, President George W. Bush — nor his future one, President-elect Barack Obama — Gates told top lawmakers in a New Year’s Eve letter that the Pentagon would need nearly $70 billion more to supplement the $66 billion approved last year.

“This estimate is my personal assessment and does not reflect the position of the Bush administration or the incoming Obama administration,” Gates said.

The estimate would cover Pentagon operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other elements of the global war on terrorism. An official request for war funding is coming after a review by the Obama administration, Gates said.

In the letter, sent to the chairmen of the House and Senate panels overseeing the war, Gates said that Congress should expect that the Obama administration “will conduct a fresh review of these matters and provide an updated and more authoritative proposal early next year.”


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_warcosts_010709/%2e



uhc comment: Here's a little perspective for you --> In 2000 the entire military budget was $302 billion.