Up, Up and Away

Estimates that a possible U.S. war against Iraq could cost $100 billion to $200 billion are likely to be "very, very high,"
-- Mitch Daniels,
White House budget director,
9/18/2002

“There’s a lot of money to pay for this that doesn’t have to be U.S. taxpayer money...."
-- Paul Wolfowitz,
Congressional hearing,
3/27/03

“There’s just no reason that this can’t be an affordable endeavor.”
-- Mitch Daniels,
4/11/2003

“Costs of any such intervention would be very small.”
-- Glen Hubbard,
White House economic advisor,
10/4/2002

“We don't anticipate requesting anything additional for the balance of this year.”
-- Josh Bolten,
Congressional testimony,
7/29/03

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The cost of the war in U.S. fatalities has declined this year, but the cost in treasure continues to rise, from $48 billion in 2003 to $59 billion in 2004 to $81 billion in 2005 to an anticipated $94 billion in 2006, according to the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. The U.S. government is now spending nearly $10 billion a month in Iraq and Afghanistan, up from $8.2 billion a year ago ....

-- Washington Post,
Unforeseen Spending on Materiel Pumps Up Iraq War Bill,
4/20/06