The White House chief budgeteer Rob Portman told reporters Tuesday that the Administration’s estimate of $110 billion to fund the war in Iraq for Fiscal 2007 is too low. He believes it could go as high—or higher—that last year’s $120 billion. The amount, said Portman, hinges on the new plan the Administration ultimately formulates.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
