The Pentagon and other agencies may need more than $100 billion to take on Saddam Hussein, rebuild Iraq and continue the worldwide fight against terrorism, officials said Wednesday. A senior Defense Department official cited $60 billion to $85 billion as the potential cost envisioned for U.S. military operations in Iraq and elsewhere. Another official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said the State Department and related agencies are discussing foreign aid and diplomatic activities ranging from $12 billion to $18 billion. The Bush administration has revealed few details about the expected costs of a war with Iraq. Wednesday, Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., became one of the first in Congress to criticize the paucity of information, accusing the administration of playing “a dangerous and damaging game” with the public. “This conflict will be paid for with the people’s treasure and the people’s blood,” Byrd, the senior Senate Democrat, said on the Senate floor. “This is no time to affront that sacrifice with Beltway spin and secrecy.” Full Story
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