War Spending Spree; Costs Deferred

Washington, DC - Today, the Christian Science Monitor reports that the war in Iraq is quickly approaching the spending levels of both the Vietnam and Korean wars. But unlike those conflicts where the country pitched in by doing things like purchasing savings bonds, the U.S. "has used its credit card, counting on the Chinese and other foreign buyers of its debt to pay the bills."

As President Bush plans to send an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq, the proposal is coming under much scrutiny. A recent USA Today/ Gallup poll shows little public support for Bush's war escalation with six of 10 Americans saying that they back the "idea of a non-binding congressional resolution expressing opposition to Bush's plan" and by more than 2-1, Americans oppose sending an additional $1 billion in economic aid. [USA Today, 1/16/07]

Democrats remain committed to working with Republicans for a new direction in Iraq that does not put additional troops in the middle of this civil war and makes it clear to the Iraqi people that they must take responsibility for their country's future.