For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 8, 2003
Fact Sheet: Request for Additional FY 2004 Funding for the War on Terror
TODAY'S PRESIDENTIAL ACTION
In his address to the Nation, President Bush announced his intention
to submit a request to Congress for additional funds to pay for
military and intelligence operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and
elsewhere in the war on terror, and to help pay for the reconstruction
of both nations.
Most of these funds ($66 billion) are dedicated to give our men and
women in uniform the resources they need to succeed in their missions
in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the war on terror. The remainder
of the funds ($21 billion) are dedicated to helping to build safe,
stable, and self-governing societies in these nations ravaged by
decades of misrule.
The Administration intends to consult with the leadership and relevant
committees of Congress on the final form and content of this request
prior to submitting proposed legislation.
BACKGROUND ON THE BUDGET REQUEST
IRAQ
Operation Iraqi Freedom
The request will include roughly $51 billion to support ongoing
military operations in Iraq. America's armed forces continue to
play a critical role in bringing peace and stability to Iraq,
and in eradicating the remaining remnants of the Saddam Hussein regime
and fighting the terrorist threat. The Administration is committed to
providing our troops with the resources and equipment they need to
complete their mission.
- Forces. The request will support a robust force in Iraq consisting of
both US and multinational troops.
- Coalition Support. The Administration is working to secure
additional military support in Iraq from our coalition partners, and
these nations are responding. For example, a Polish-led division is
currently replacing U.S. Marines in Southern Iraq. The Administration's
request will provide $800 million to transport and support the troops
of those partners with limited resources who are willing to commit to
the Operation.
- Troop Support. The Administration plans to request $300 million for
life-saving body armor and $140 million to deliver heavily
armored "Humvees" to protect U.S. forces.
- R&R; for Troops. To enable soldiers on the front lines to receive a
break from their tireless and courageous service, the President
will request funds to assure two weeks of well-deserved R&R; for troops
deployed in Iraq for a year.
- Equipment. The request will include funds to repair and replace
equipment lost or damaged during the war and to provide rapid
fielding of equipment to support continuing operations in Iraq.
Iraqi Reconstruction
The Administration will request $20 billion to help
secure Iraq's transition to self-government and create the
conditions necessary for economic investment and investment. After
decades of malign neglect and corruption by the Saddam Hussein regime,
the needs are enormous and urgent. Initial estimates are that Iraq
will need between $50-75 billion to achieve these conditions for
success.
The Administration and the international community expect Iraqi
oil and other revenues and recovered assets to contribute to meeting
these needs, the U.S. contribution is designed to have an
immediate and significant impact on security and sectors critical to
stability and growth. Nations in the region and the rest of the world
share an interest in a free Iraq, and the Administration expects the
international community to assume its role in ensuring that Iraq
becomes a free and self-governing nation.
- Security. Iraqi responsibility for public law, order and safety is
crucial to success. The US request will provide roughly $5
billion to improve security immediately by training border and
customs enforcement personnel, a new Iraqi army, police force and local
civilian defense corps. The request will also support building a
judicial and penal system.
- Infrastructure. Iraqis have suffered the consequences of decades of
Saddam Hussein's willful neglect of all major infrastructure
needs. Families have been denied modern medical services and
supplies. Schools, buildings, transportation and telecommunications
networks, and water, sewage and electrical systems have crumbled
under years of neglect and abuse. The US will provide approximately
$15 billion to build and repair clinics; provide safe, clean drinking
water; open ports, railroad lines and airports; restore oil
production; and provide reliable electrical service for Iraqi families
and businesses.
AFGHANISTAN
Operation Enduring Freedom
America's armed forces continue to hunt down remnants of the
Taliban regime and al-Qaida members in Afghanistan, while also
providing security and stability that are needed to help the Afghan
people rebuild their nations shattered by decades of war and misrule.
- U.S. Forces. The request will provide roughly $11 billion to
support continuing U.S. efforts to track down terrorists and
provide stability.
Acceleration of Afghan Reconstruction
The Administration will reallocate nearly $400 million from
existing accounts to accelerate progress in Afghanistan. The request
will seek an additional $800 million to address some of the most
critical remaining security and reconstruction needs. This is in
addition to the $1.8 billion previously appropriated for relief and
reconstruction, and the $5 billion so far pledged by the international
community.
- Afghan Military and Police Forces. The request includes over $400
million to train and support the Afghan National Army and national
police, border and highway patrol.
- Critical Infrastructure. To improve the lives of Afghan citizens,
the request includes over $300 million to accelerate the
construction of roads, schools, health clinics, and local, small-scale
projects.
- Rebuilding the Afghan Economy. More than $120 million will be made
available to train and generate jobs for demobilized militiamen,
and to support private sector initiatives.
- Rule of Law. Nearly $300 million will be provided to support rule
of law efforts, elections, and the Government of Afghanistan
operational requirements.
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