By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, BAGHDAD
Posted 12/27/04

U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to seek authorization to spend an additional $80 billion in Iraq, the head of a visiting congressional delegation said Dec. 24.

“In early February, there will be … a supplemental appropriation, in addition to the 2006 budget for defense, submitted to Congress,” Jim Kolbe, Republican congressman from Arizona, told reporters.

He estimated the extra funding would range from $75 billion to $80 billion.

By Cliff Kindy, Christian Peacemaker Teams
December 30, 2004
Read Cliff’s blog from Iraq.

On November 4, the U.S. Military bombed Fallujah as a prelude to an assault on the city of 300,000. In the next four days U.S. forces attacked and controlled an emergency clinic and the main hospital. On December 8, the major ground invasion started. It intended to remove the threat that was identified as 3000 insurgents and open a window for elections on January 31, 2005.

More than seven weeks have passed since the first bombing runs. U.S. troops outnumbered the estimated insurgents three fold and had support from Iraqi forces. The U.S. held superiority in firepower and controlled the skies. Yet, the battle for Fallujah continues now with more bombing runs, house raids, and arrests across the city.