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| September 16, 2004 |
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| Iraq Reconstruction Funding To Be Diverted |
WASHINGTON - September 16, 2004. A plan to divert $3.46 billion in Iraq reconstruction funding to security, economic programs, and the electoral process has recently sparked a debate among Congressional decision-makers.
Under the Bush administration’s proposed plan, funding for law enforcement and security measures would increase by $1.8 billion to make a total of $5 billion in funding for security. This funding would be used for 82,000 more security personnel, which includes 45,000 more police and 16,000 more border patrols. The State Department is also seeking additional funding to increase the Iraqi National Guard, a Civil Intervention Force, and an Iraqi Intervention Force. Marc Grossman, the U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, stated that “without significant reallocation of resources for the security and law enforcement sector, the short-term stability of Iraq would be compromised, and the longer-term prospects of a free and democratic Iraq undermined.”
The proposal requires that these funds be transferred from rebuilding Iraq’s critical infrastructure, including water, sewage treatment, and electricity. Not only will $1.8 billion be shifted to security, but $450 million will be transferred to Iraqi oil production, $380 million to economic reforms, and $180 million for the upcoming elections to be held in January.
Senator Richard Lugar, R-IN, said, “If the shifts of these funds slows down reconstruction, security may suffer in the long run. In short, security and reconstruction must be achieved simultaneously.”
Source: Equity International |
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