Discussion Questions

Aired, September 10, 2003

President Bush's $87 billion request to pay for combat and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan next year is "sobering" but realistic, a Republican senator said Monday. However, some members of Congress say it is just a down payment on what eventually will be needed.

1. Why has President Bush asked Congress to approve $87 billion in military spending? For what will most of these funds be used?

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2. What types of reconstruction efforts are planned for, or are ongoing, in Iraq and Afghanistan?

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3. How had the U.S. orginally intended to fund the rebuilding of Iraq? According to the story, from what source is this money expected to come? Who do you think should take on the responsibility of funding the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan? Why?

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Related Sites

CNN.com: Bush war request called 'sobering' (http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/09/08/iraq.budget/index.html)

CNN.com: Bush to ask billions more for Iraq (http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/09/07/bush.speech/index.html)

CNN.com: Lawmakers assess Bush's speech (http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/09/08/bush.speech/index.html)

Keywords

Iraq, Afghanistan, reconstruction, military funding