THE HOUSE
Cost of the War
By a vote of 393 to 1, the House sent to the Senate a bill (HR 586) requiring the Administration to periodically report to Congress on the Persian Gulf War’s cost to the United States. The bill arises from the fact that the war is being funded outside of the normal budget process, which exempts it from routine disclosure and the fiscal discipline of the five-year deficit reduction agreement. The Treasury apparently will borrow to pay much of the estimated $50-billion-plus war tab.
In addition to listing direct military costs, the reports to Congress would provide a public accounting of allies’ efforts to defray U.S. expenditures, noting actual contributions as compared to pledges. The reports also would show allied help including troop deployments and the granting of military access such as base rights.
Supporter Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the bill “will ensure that we and the American people are properly informed” about the cost of the war, including allies’ contributions.
No member spoke against passage of the measure.
A yes vote was to pass the bill.
How They Voted
Rep. Anderson (D): Yea
Rep. Dornan (R): No Vote
Rep. Dreier (R): No Vote
Rep. Dymally (D): No Vote
Rep. Martinez (D): Yea
Rep. Roybal (D): Yea
Rep. Torres (D): No Vote
Rep. Waters (D): No Vote
Source: Roll Call Report Syndicate
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