Gates urges Congress to quickly approve war funds

Gates urges Congress to quickly approve war funds Washington  - US Defence Secretary Robert Gates urged Congress on Thursday to quickly sign off on more than 80 billion dollars for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including money to support Pakistan's fight against Taliban insurgents.

Gates warned that money for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan could begin to dry up in July, and that by the end of May the Pentagon will have to begin figuring out ways to shift money from other parts of the budget.

"I urge you to take up this bill and pass it as quickly as possible, but, please, not later than May 25," Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The 83.4-billion-dollar spending bill contains 38 billion dollars for day-to-day operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 11.6 billion to replace and repair equipment that has been damaged or destroyed in combat. It includes 400 million dollars in aid to help Pakistan counter the rising Taliban threat, especially along the border with Afghanistan.

The supplemental budget legislation also requests 7.1 billion dollars for spending on civilian programmes administered through the State Department. Gates testified before the committee with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. (dpa)