Bush wants more war funds

President George W. Bush Monday demanded nearly 200 billion dollars from Congress to fund war operations next year, throwing down the gauntlet to opponents who want a swift exit from Iraq.

“Every member of Congress who wants to see both success in Iraq and our troops begin to come home should strongly support this bill,” Bush said at the White House.

“I know some in Congress are against the war and are seeking ways to demonstrate that opposition,” he said. “But they ought to make sure our troops have what it takes to succeed.” If approved, the request would push US war costs to a whopping 757.4 billion dollars since Bush launched his “war on terror” following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

A recent Washington Post-ABC News poll said that 43 percent of Americans want the budget for Iraq and Afghanistan reduced sharply.

Another 23 percent said they wanted the funding lowered somewhat, while 27 percent said they would give a green light to the administration’s request.

Washington, Tuesday, AFP.