The global war on terror has cost the U.S. $437 billion since September 11, the Congressional Research Service estimated last month, including $319 billion for the war in Iraq. (The Pentagon claims the latter figure should be $210 billion.)
The CRS cost estimate has been widely reported, but the underlying report has not been widely available to the public. Now it is:
“The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11” (pdf), updated June 14, 2006.
Some other notable CRS reports obtained by Secrecy News include the following.
“Military Operations: Precedents for Funding Contingency Operations in Regular or in Supplemental Appropriations Bills” (pdf), June 13, 2006.
“Defense Procurement: Full Funding Policy — Background, Issues, and Options for Congress” (pdf), updated June 20, 2006.
“U.S. Democracy Promotion Policy in the Middle East: The Islamist Dilemma” (pdf), June 15, 2006.
“Freedom of Speech and Press: Exceptions to the First Amendment” (pdf), updated June 2, 2006.
January brought a jolt of game-changing national political events and government funding brinksmanship. If Washington, D.C.’s new year resolution was for less drama in 2026, it’s failed already.
We’re launching a national series of digital service retrospectives to capture hard-won lessons, surface what worked, be clear-eyed about what didn’t, and bring digital service experts together to imagine next-generation models for digital government.
How DOE can emerge from political upheaval achieve the real-world change needed to address the interlocking crises of energy affordability, U.S. competitiveness, and climate change.
As Congress begins the FY27 appropriations process this month, congress members should turn their eyes towards rebuilding DOE’s programs and strengthening U.S. energy innovation and reindustrialization.