"We're spending $1.6 billion for all of Latin America in terms of aid and assistance, a fraction of what we're spending in Iraq, the $500 billion we've spent there"
Chris Dodd on Sunday, September 9th, 2007 in a debate in Miami, Fla.
Correct, although money not yet appropriated
Bookmark this story:
The claim that the United States has spent $500 billion in Iraq is not entirely accurate, but it, too, is pretty darn close. Estimates vary on the precise amount spent since the 2003 invasion, but two of the most credible sources, the Congressional Research Service and the Congressional Budget Office, give the total as approximately $450 billion and $413 billion, respectively.
Thus, Dodd's assertion that U.S. spending in Iraq has already passed the half trillion dollar mark is slightly exaggerated, but that's a quibble.
His overall point that spending on aid to Latin America is only a small fraction of Iraq spending is very much on target.
Published: Friday, September 14th, 2007 at 12:00 a.m.
Subjects: Foreign Policy
Sources:
U.S. State Department, Fiscal 2008 Budget Request: International AffairsCongressional Research Service, The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations Since 9/11
Congressional Budget Office Testimony, July 31, 2007 Estimated Costs of U.S. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and of Other Activities Related to the War on Terrorism
Written by: Jody Kyle
Researched by: Jody Kyle
Edited by: Scott Montgomery
We want to hear your suggestions and comments. For tips or comments on our campaign promise database, please e-mail the Obameter. If you are commenting on a specific promise, please include the promise number. For comments about our Truth-O-Meter or Flip-O-Meter items, please e-mail the Truth-O-Meter. We’re especially interested in seeing any chain e-mails you receive that you would like us to check out.
PolitiFact is a project of the St. Petersburg Times to help you find the truth in American politics. Reporters and editors from the Times fact-check statements by members of Congress, the White House, lobbyists and interest groups and rate them on our Truth-O-Meter. We’re also tracking more than 500 of Barack Obama’s campaign promises and are rating their progress on our new Obameter. >> More
Keep up to date with PolitiFact:
- Sign up for our e-mail (about once a week)
- Put a free PolitiFact widget on your blog or Web page
- Subscribe to our RSS feeds
- Add us to your iGoogle page
- Follow us on Twitter
- Fan us on Facebook
