Since 2003, the Congress has obligated nearly $400 billion for US efforts in Iraq, of which about $40 billion has supported reconstruction and stabilization efforts.
Congressional oversight of this substantial investment is crucial as the Bush Administration requests additional military and economic funds for Iraq. The results of recent General Accounting Office audit work proposes three areas for which continued oversight is needed:
(1) progress in improving security and national reconciliation,
(2) efforts to develop clear US strategies, and
(3) Iraqi and international contributions to economic development.
