Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama's Afghan Troop Surge Clears Congress

He gets money for increase of 30,000

By the Associated Press

Posted Jul 27, 2010 5:39 PM CDT

(AP) – The House today sent President Obama a major war-funding increase of $33 billion to pay for his troop surge in Afghanistan, unmoved by the leaking of classified documents that portray a struggling military effort. The House voted 308-114 to approve the spending boost for the additional 30,000 US troops in Afghanistan. Other non-war provisions brought the total bill to nearly $59 billion.

Republicans in Congress still were strongly behind the boost in war spending, but there was unusually strong opposition from members of Obama's own Democratic Party. All but 12 of the "no" votes in the House came from Democrats. "We're told we can't extend unemployment or pay to keep cops on the beat or teachers in the classroom, but we're asked to borrow another $33 billion for nation-building in Afghanistan," said Democratic congressman Jim McGovern of Massachusetts.

A US soldier returns fire toward insurgents as an Afghan soldier takes position in the volatile Arghandab Valley, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Tuesday.
A US soldier returns fire toward insurgents as an Afghan soldier takes position in the volatile Arghandab Valley, Kandahar, Afghanistan, Tuesday.   (Rodrigo Abd)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
4%
11%
63%
7%
4%
11%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Fascist_Jack
Jul 28, 2010 4:45 AM CDT
What the war is being sold as in America is different then what it actually IS. To US it is being sold as a Black and White evil Taliban battle. In reality...it's a shadowy subterranean war that indirectly involves Pakistan, India and Iran. The Taliban funding itself exclusively through morphine is a lie. The fact is, this backass people aren't that sophisticated. The Taliban is probably being funded and armed by Iran and Pakistani military officials. Likewise, the militant element inside of Pakistan, the one responsible for the attacks on Pakistan, are being aided by India. What you have is Vietnam all over again. Why? Because you are not allowed to attack the SOURCE of your enemies weapons and supplies. In Vietnam that was the Chinese, and in this war, it's mainly Iran. Those Americans are over there dying for nothing. And yes.....can we say it now? This is Obama's war.
aces08
Jul 28, 2010 1:32 AM CDT
33 billion dollars. Shouldn't the tea party be denouncing this? Or is tax money only meant to go for killing and not for helping?
guvner
Jul 28, 2010 1:28 AM CDT
C.mon Netrooters. Have you forgotten what went down in Vegas last weekend? Find a nice anti-war progressive to run against Obama in two years.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

More Newser Stories

Obama Tricked the Right Over Contraception

Obama's Budget Sets Up Fight With GOP

Breitbart: I Have ‘College Days’ Obama Videos

Gingrich: GOP Establishment Not 'Tough Enough'

Obama Offers Compromise on Birth Control Policy


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne