Bush asks for $200 billion for the war for 2008

President Bush plans to ask lawmakers next week to approve another spending measure -- totaling nearly $200 billion -- to fund the war through next year.

U.S. war costs have continued to grow because of the additional combat forces sent to Iraq this year and because of efforts to quickly ramp up production of new technology, such as mine-resistant trucks designed to protect troops from roadside bombs. The new trucks can cost three to six times as much as an armored Humvee.

The funding request means that war costs are projected to grow even as the number of deployed combat troops begins a gradual decline starting in December. Spending on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is to rise from $173 billion this year to about $195 billion in fiscal 2008, which begins Oct. 1.

The new spending request is likely to push the cumulative cost of the war in Iraq alone through 2008 past the $600-billion mark -- more than the Korean War and nearly as much as the Vietnam War, based on estimates by government budget officials.

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If Bush feels that continuing the war is important in Iraq, then how about proposing a tax to fund the war? It is so easy for the President because he thinks the federal government can continue to spend and spend without regard to our fiscal responsibility. I am sure they all love deficit spending.

Also, how dare for the Bush administration to not include the $200 billion as part of their annual federal budget? They do not count this line-item as part of their deficit forecast. How convenient!