Obama seeks money

President Barack Obama asked Congress today for $83.4 billion for U.S. military. This was for special troop funding. Obama's request for to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan. This would push the costs of the two wars to almost $1 trillion since the Sept. 11, 2001 and terrorist attacks. The additional money would cover operations into the fall. Obama is also requesting $350 million in new Pentagon funding. This funding is to deal with Mexican drugs. It is also to do other security activities along the border. This border is between the U.S. and Mexico. This is along with another $400 million. This $400 is to help Pakistan in efforts along the border with Afghanistan. The Iraq war by far gets the most money. The request reflects a shift in focus from Iraq to Afghanistan. This is where a lot of challenges remain. This is also where the former Soviet Union learned firsthand about battling Islamic extremists. During June, the Congress approved $66 billion in advance for funding the military. The Pentagon would receive $142 billion in war funding for the budget year ending on Sept. 30. The request should easily win approval from the Congress. There is a lot of anger among some liberals over the pace of troop. Obama's plans for a large residual force of up to 50,000 troops.