Bush sends request for war supplemental to Congress

President Bush Friday detailed his request to Congress for $70 billion in fiscal 2009 for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including $66 billion for the Defense Department and $4 billion for the State Department and other international operations.

OMB said the president's request "provides the necessary resources for ongoing military and intelligence operations for fiscal 2009, as well as diplomatic efforts and foreign assistance activities in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom."

The money is expected to be included in a war funding bill being drafted by Democratic leaders.

Adding fiscal 2009 funding would allow the next president to settle into the job without having to ask Congress for a war-related supplemental spending bill.

The measure is also expected to include $108 billion to fund the wars through the rest of fiscal 2008.

In the category of military and intelligence operations, $45.1 billion would fund combat operations and related activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Afghan security forces would get $3.7 billion to expand their size and capabilities.

Iraqi security forces would receive $2 billion. Classified activities would receive $3 billion; $2.2 billion would pay for increased fuel costs; and $900 million would be used to "reimburse partners for logistical, military, and other support in the Global War on Terror."

For injured veterans, the military would provide $400 million to maintain and enhance medical and rehabilitation services associated with traumatic brain injury and psychological health issues.

OMB said $3 billion would be used to develop anti-improvised explosive device technologies and provide pre-deployment training in methods to counter IEDs. The Army would provide $2.6 billion to transport and maintain Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles in theater and $1.3 billion to fund acquisition of 28 additional Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and support systems.

The $70 billion pot would also cover $2.5 billion for ongoing "Global War on Terror" activities, including $1.4 billion for Iraq to help support Provincial Reconstruction Teams; Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons; provincial elections; security and operations; and the Office of the Inspector General.

Democratic House leaders are hoping to pull the trigger on a war supplemental package next week but must first sell their package to rank-and-file lawmakers. Sources said House and Senate Democratic leaders remain at odds about the level of domestic spending they want to include in the package, with Senate leaders looking to add more money.

A House Democratic aide argued that it comes down to being practical about the politics involved and lessons learned from the handling of the economic stimulus package earlier this year. Bush has threatened to veto the supplemental if it contains what he considers extraneous spending for domestic programs or includes policies that tie the hands of U.S. commanders in Iraq.