Funding for Iraq Grows
by Another $82 Billion

The funding covers war-related expenses through September 2005, and a new expense bill is expected in August. But there were benefits to the states in the $82 billion funding bill signed during the week of May 9, 2005. States will be required to verify citizenship or legal status of driver's license applicants, and the bill authorizes completion of a fence along the California and Mexico border, and provides for additional hires at border security checkpoints.

The Senate unanimously passed the funding on May 10th, calling it bipartisan support for the troops in Iraq.

President Bush said that "New democracies are taking root in Iraq and Afghanistan, and America is proud to stand with them. This legislation will help America continue to promote freedom and democracy."

Roughly $76 billion is expected to fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but $4.2 billion will fund foreign aid and international "relationships."

Senator Dick Durban (D-Ill.) added one provision to the bill, which prohibits funds from the bill "to subject any person in the custody or under the physical control of the United States to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

Ammunition costs, armor for vehicles, weapons systems and equipment will be part of the spending package, and survivor benefits --for military personnel life loss-- will be increased from $12,000 to $100,000, and is retroactive to families whom have lost a son or daughter (husband or wife) in Iraq or Afghanistan beginning with the Afghanistan invasion of 7 October 2001.

Baghdad gets $529 million for a secure diplomatic compound, $230 million will be given to allies who express interest in the war on terror, and $200 million will fund economic and infrastructure assistance to the Palestinian Authority. December's tsunami in southeast Asia will earn an additional $907 million.