Washington Post @ MSNBC

Sept. 5 ? Lawmakers in both parties expressed surprise yesterday at the newly disclosed White House estimates for spending in postwar Iraq and said they will demand many details President Bush has withheld so far, including an exit strategy and a multiyear forecast, as the price of their support. The White House has told congressional leaders to expect a budget request of $60 billion to $70 billion for occupying and rebuilding Iraq next year. White House officials said yesterday that the request is still in flux, and could be closer to $50 billion. The plan could be submitted within the next two weeks, Capitol Hill sources said. The unexpectedly high amounts reflect a White House conclusion that Iraqi oil revenue and allies? contributions will be less than estimated before the war, the sources said. The result is likely to be weeks of scrutiny of Bush?s mission in Iraq. Rep. Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, said that before approving tens of billions of dollars to continue U.S. operations in Iraq, he wants to see ?the light at the end of the tunnel.?
