The US Congress has approved a $78.5 billion fiscal year 2003 supplemental appropriations bill that will help pay for the war in Iraq, bolster homeland security measures, fund the continuing global war on terrorism, and assist with selected urgent domestic needs, reported the Department of State.
The measure contains $62.8 billion in defense funding for military operations in Iraq and the global war on terrorism, according to the Congressional conference report. The total includes $15.7 billion in general discretionary funds, which the Bush administration can utilize as needed, $31 billion for operations and maintenance, $13 billion for increased personnel costs, $1.3 billion for new procurement and $1.8 billion for intelligence activities.
The measure also provides eight billion dollars to assist allies with their efforts related to Iraq and the war on terror, and for assistance to Iraq during its initial relief and reconstruction period. The total includes $3.5 billion for Iraqi relief, and that includes $2.5 billion for a new Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund that the White House can direct through the State Department, Defense Department and other federal agencies.
The foreign aid funding provides one billion dollars for Turkey as long as the president certifies Turkey is cooperating in the war against Iraq, $1.1 billion for Jordan for economic and military assistance, one billion dollars to Israel for activities related to fighting international terrorism, and $50 million for humanitarian and refugee assistance for the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
