Rising Cost Of Iraq War May Reignite Public Debate

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The Wall Street Journal

Rising Cost Of Iraq War May Reignite Public Debate
By YOCHI J. DREAZEN and JOHN D. MCKINNON
February 4, 2008; Page A1

WASHINGTON -- The cost of U.S. military operations in Iraq is rising rapidly, and could reignite the national debate about the war, which has taken a back seat to the economy as an issue for most voters this election year. Today, the White House will propose a federal budget that for the first time tops $3 trillion. The plan is expected to include a record sum for the Pentagon and an additional $70 billion in funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, while essentially freezing discretionary spending in areas other than national security, including most domestic programs.

The sharp contrast between President Bush's defense and domestic-spending goals could give Democrats a potent political weapon as the economy continues to deteriorate. But with the Democratic-controlled Congress likely to scrap most of Mr. Bush's spending plans, his funding proposal for Iraq may be one of the budget's most enduring elements... Boosted in part by rising fuel prices and the expense of repairing or replacing vehicles worn down by the long war, U.S. spending on Iraq has doubled in the past three years. Last year's buildup of U.S. troops -- known as the "surge" -- and the military's growing use of expensive heavy munitions to roust Iraqi insurgents also have contributed to the cost increase. According to a recent Congressional Research Service report, the average monthly cost of the conflict -- by CRS's measure -- hit $10.3 billion in the year ended Sept. 30, 2007, up from $4.4 billion in fiscal 2004.

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On the domestic front, the president's new budget is expected to keep a tight lid on costs that aren't security-related. One big target for savings would be Medicare, the health-care program for the elderly. But the budget for homeland security is expected to rise sharply again, with much of the money going to increasing immigration enforcement and border security.

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Congress has been unable to limit war funding in the past. Last year, several measures aimed at changing administration policy failed to make it through both chambers, damping calls for change. The progress the U.S. troop surge has made in tamping down violence in parts of Iraq also has helped to dislodge the war from the top of the political agenda. But the issue of war costs is gaining traction. Democrats believe they have a stronger hand now amid fears of a recession. Polling and focus groups commissioned by several unions and activist groups last year suggested that Democrats should focus on the war's impact on domestic needs as they gird for a budget battle with Mr. Bush. According to a memo describing the results, the best way for the Democrats to frame their message would be to criticize Mr. Bush for vetoing "important priorities at home after spending half a trillion dollars in Iraq."

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