President George W. Bush inspects the troops at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute at Conmy Hall on Fort Myer, Va., Jan. 6, 2009. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also attended the event. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Molly A. BurgessGates Estimates 2009 War Costs At $136 Billion -- AP
WASHINGTON (AP) — 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 terror. An official request for war funding is coming after a review by the Obama administration, Gates said.
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More News On The Cost Of The Afghan And Iraq Wars
Gates says Afghan surge may cost $5.5 billion in fiscal 09 -- Reuters
Gates projects Pentagon needs $70 billion more for wars -- Reuters
US needs $136bn for operations -- Scotsman
In the war: Gates sees wars costing $136 billion in 2009 -- Newsday
Pentagon asks for more -- The Age
FACTBOX: Gates sees $70 bln in war costs for rest of 2009 -- Reuters
Defense spending as 'stimulus'? -- Christian Science Monitor