More than two-thirds of the $94.5 billion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 Iraq and Katrina supplemental appropriations bill reflects the Bush Administration’s request for extra funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, mostly for Iraq.

“The bill includes some things I support, but they were inserted as hostages to secure votes for what amounts to a multi-billion dollar slush fund for Halliburton,” said Abercrombie.

Abercrombie expressed growing concerns about the rising costs of the Iraq War.  Since 2001, Congress has appropriated $450.8 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the largest portion going to Iraq.

“These expenditures are diverting money that should be going to strengthening our national security posture.  Instead, this bill swells the national debt and sinks us deeper into the Iraq quagmire.  They allow huge sweetheart contracts for companies like Halliburton, feeding corruption and misadventure.

“I continue to have the greatest admiration for our troops.  They’ve done everything we’ve asked of them. What we lack is a national policy worthy of their sacrifices, and that shortcoming is the reason for my vote today.”

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