Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/27/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS/WAR FUNDING UPDATE (L)

NUMBER=2-301418

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// Editors: Alternate to 2-301407, updates with Rumsfeld, other testimony before the House ///

INTRO: Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has told Congress it must move quickly to approve the 74-point-seven-billion dollar request to pay the initial costs of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Although most lawmakers support the war effort, some are skeptical about how money will be spent. V-O-A's Dan Robinson has more from Capitol Hill where Mr. Rumsfeld testified before House and Senate committees:

TEXT: Mr. Rumsfeld says there is no way to know how long the war will last or how much damage there will be to Iraq's vital infrastructure. Nor is it possible, he says, to predict how much international support the United States will receive to help with reconstruction.

He says while the war has been succeeding so far, the Pentagon must have full flexibility to deal with any circumstances that arise. Disarming Iraq, he says, and eliminating possible new sources of terrorist attacks, is worth the cost:

/// RUMSFELD ACT ///

There is no question but that 74-point-seven billion dollars is a great deal of money. But the cost of not investing that 74-billion would be far greater. We need the funds, we need the flexibility as to how they are spent, so we can adapt to the unknowable circumstances that are unfolding in the weeks and months ahead.

/// END ACT ///

House and Senate lawmakers in charge of spending plan to get the Iraq war funding request through committees so it can be voted on as early as next week. President Bush has asked Congress to have a bill on his desk for signature by April 11th.

However, during Secretary Rumsfeld's House and Senate appearances, some Democrats expressed concern about how the funds are going to be used. Here is Congressman David Obey, the top Democrat on the House appropriations committee:

/// OBEY ACT ///

Certainly we are willing to look at providing some additional flexibility if that is needed. But flexibility is one thing, and being able to turn the Constitution into a pretzel is another thing. And frankly, I have not yet ever met a president of either party who didn't think that Article One of the constitution is a mistake.

/// END ACT ///

/// OPT /// Although most of the 75-billion dollar request is for the Pentagon, some critics are unhappy about money designated for Turkey, which has allowed use of its airspace, but did not permit U-S troops to launch operations from its territory. Deputy Defense Secretary, Paul Wolfowitz, had this response:

/// WOLFOWITZ ACT ///

We have a big stake in Turkey getting through this crisis, without suffering an economic crisis on top of it, and while we would have hoped for a higher level of cooperation Turkey remains a very reliable ally. And a country, particularly in a period when promoting moderation and democracy in the Muslim world, is particularly important to America's interests.

/// END ACT END OPT ///

At a separate hearing Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage the United States wants a U-N Security Council resolution that would allow the U-N secretary general to take over the administration of the Oil for Food Program in Iraq.

Mr. Armitage says this would take a big burden off the United States and coalition allies. He says U-S military action is designed to minimize damage to Iraq's infrastructure, adding that Washington considers a role for the United Nations entirely appropriate:

/// OPTIONAL -- ARMITAGE ACT ///

Why is the U-N important? Are we going to, after having completed the military mission, walk away? No, we're not going to do that. We're going to make sure we accomplish the elimination of W-M-D (weapons of mass destruction), that we bring about a modicum of stability to that country, and get things stabilized.

/// END ACT END OPT ///

The head of the U-S Agency for International Development (USAID), Andrew Natsios, told lawmakers that important parts of Iraq's infrastructure, such as water filtration plants, were allowed to decay under Saddam Hussein. He says this is where reconstruction aid may be needed the most. (signed)

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