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.
This report serves as a landscape assessment and toolbox from which local governments can negotiate an informed position when it comes to the levers available to them and includes a first-of-its kind analysis of eight executed community benefits agreements.
When a hurricane hits, it’s all hands on deck – that goes for federal data, too. Pulling back from our investments in timely, accurate, and accessible public data will only make us less prepared and put us all at greater risk.
This is bigger than a singular elimination of race and ethnicity questions. It could accelerate the second wave of widespread reductions to demographic data, leaving public health officials with even less information to deliver better health outcomes for all Americans.
Soft law was never meant to be a permanent solution. Treating it as one, and letting the sandcastle stand in for the skyscraper indefinitely, is how we end up with a decade of voluntary commitments and no enforceable accountability to show for it.