Another wicked deal...

[Leigh Meyers <leighcmeyers@xxxxxxxxx>]

...with the devil, and he ain't wearin' a bikini... Full Metal Jacket is 
more *his* style.

Can't you smell the Sulphur? Hugo did!


US approves $70bn for Iraq, Afghan wars

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/D5D6A8AE-9D14-4DBC-B17D-0A53FD967259.htm

Wednesday 27 September 2006, 7:57 Makka Time, 4:57 GMT 

The US House of Representatives has approved a bill providing another 
$70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The move means Congress has now approved an expenditure of more than 
$500 billion for the two conflicts.

About $23 billion of the fund is to replace and refurbish equipment worn 
out in the harsh environments of the wars.

However, the bill will bar the US administration from using the fund to 
build permanent military bases in Iraq or to exercise control over 
Iraqâs oil sector.

Democrats and many republicans say the Iraqi insurgency has been fuelled 
by perceptions that the US is aiming toward a permanent presence in the 
country.

They have called on Bush to make a policy statement that no such plans 
exist.

Election campaign
The Senate is expected to pass the final version of the bill, that 
approves a total expenditure of $447.6 billion, by this weekend before 
sending it to George Bush, US president, for  signature.

The House passed the bill by 394-22 votes with virtually no debate as 
politicians aimed to complete business before a break to campaign for 
November congressional elections.

Lawmakers called the $70 billion a "bridge fund" to last halfway through 
the next fiscal year, beginning October 1.

The bill also provides $377.6 billion for the Pentagon's core 
programmes, $4.1 billion less than Bush wanted, but $19 billion above 
current levels, and also funds a military pay rise.

Reuters