Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Joe NYC who wrote (202209)	9/15/2004 5:33:46 PM
From: Tenchusatsu	Respond to of 1574260

Joe, my favorite part is the serial number: "34567-34567-34567" Tenchusatsu

To: Joe NYC who wrote (202209)	9/15/2004 7:02:12 PM
From: tejek	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1574260

US Lawmakers Press Bush Administration to Do More for Reconstruction Efforts in Iraq Deborah Tate Capitol Hill 15 Sep 2004, 19:41 UTC U.S. lawmakers Wednesday criticized the Bush administration for not doing enough to move forward on reconstruction projects in Iraq. The administration is seeking congressional approval to shift some reconstruction aid to security efforts in response to a growing insurgency in Iraq. The administration is seeking to transfer nearly 20 percent of U.S. reconstruction money to security and economic programs in Iraq, acknowledging that continued violence has forced a shift in the rebuilding effort. Administration officials are asking Congress for permission to transfer some $3.4 billion from electricity, water and sewer projects to police, border patrols and other security measures, as well as private sector development and short-term job creation projects. Some money would also be used to prepare for elections scheduled in January and to forgive long-standing Iraqi debt to the United States. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq, Ronald Schlicher, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday the transfer of funds would help in the effort to stabilize Iraq. "In short, one of our main weapons against the insurgents is the hope and the creation of more hope," he said. "When Iraqis have hope for the future and real opportunities, they will reject those who advocate violence." Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance Programs and Budget, Joseph Bowab, urged Congress to vote on the reallocation of funds without delay. "From improving the security situation to the upcoming election, to the need to generate employment and debt relief, all these are critical near-term requirements that must be addressed now," he added. But the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, in unusually blunt language, warned that diverting reconstruction money could actually hurt security in the long run, arguing that the rebuilding effort is important for winning the support of Iraqis. He was particularly concerned that, to date, only about $1 billion dollars of the $18.4 billion in reconstruction aid that Congress approved nearly a year ago have been spent. "It is exasperating for anybody looking at this from any vantage point," said Mr. Lugar. "Now having finally gotten to this monumental decision of [wanting to transfer] $3.4 [billion], it sort of begs the question, what happened to the other $14 billion?" continued................ voanews.com