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Democratic lawmaker says the White House is “dramatically underestimating” the true cost of the military’s involvement in Libya by relying on accounting that obscures the total financial burden being saddled on taxpayers.
Rep. Brad Sherman, a lawyer and accountant, told The Washington Times on Thursday that more accurate accounting of the mission would provide a clearer picture of just how much money the U.S. pours into this and other U.N.-backed missions while putting Congress in a better position to silence critics who say the nation is shortchanging the global body. The Californian also said the cost of the U.S. involvement in Libya should be covered with the estimated $33 billion in Libyan assets that have been frozen by the Treasury Department."
Democrat says Libya costs run much higher - Washington Times
The US Ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice "got testy" over Rep Sherman's claim that the White House is using "marginal-cost accounting" (typically only 10 - 20% of full cost) to lowball the cost of Libya instead of full-cost accounting which would include development of weapons systems and equipment used and salaries of the military involved.
Meanwhile Sec. of Defense Gates says he has enough money but won't say where he's getting it.
I think maybe they're dipping into that Area 51 slush fund money.
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