Bush's war-money request raises total past $300 billion

WASHINGTON - President Bush asked Congress on Monday to provide $81.9 billion more for wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and for other U.S. efforts overseas, shoving the total price tag for the conflicts and anti-terror fight past $300 billion.

Republicans hope to push the package through Congress by early spring, reflecting both parties' desire to finance U.S. troops in the field and give Iraqis more responsibility following their national elections.

Bush asked lawmakers to pay for the new spending by borrowing the money - which will make huge federal deficits even larger.

"The majority of this request will ensure that our troops continue to get what they need to protect themselves and complete their mission," Bush said in a statement accompanying his request.

He also said the money would help continue the pursuit of terrorists and help the United States "seize the opportunity to build peace and democracy in the Middle East."

The request was the latest demonstration of how the soaring costs of war - and the ongoing reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan - have exceeded the administration's early characterizations. White House officials derided former Bush economic adviser Lawrence Lindsey's early estimate of a $100 billion to $200 billion price tag.

About $77 billion of the total was for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, while about $5 billion was for aid to U.S. allies. Of the total package for the wars, the vast majority - $74.9 billion - was for the Defense Department, with other agencies sharing the rest.

Some $12 billion was requested to replace or repair worn-out and damaged equipment, including $3.3 billion for extra armor for trucks and other protective gear - underscoring a sensitivity to earlier complaints by troops.

There was also nearly $400 million for more generous death benefits for the families of slain American soldiers, and money to cover higher fuel costs and programs aimed at boosting the morale of U.S. troops, many of whom have been forced to serve prolonged periods in Iraq.

In addition, there was $5.7 billion to train Iraqi forces and $1.3 billion to train Afghan security agencies. Another $5 billion was for the Army to redesign many of its own combat brigades so they would be more flexible and less reliant on other units.

Bush requested $658 million to build a new U.S. embassy in Iraq that could house a staff of 1,000, plus $717 million to staff it.