Lawmakers want answers on cost, timetable for Iraq

WASHINGTON -- Democrats and Republicans alike are telling President Bush he must get international help in rebuilding Iraq and tell the American people how much it will cost and how long it will take.

Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, estimated it will cost the United States $30 billion over five years, not counting military spending.

"I think that is a period of time that will bring stability and give certainty to the Iraqis that we're not going to leave," said Lugar on "Fox News Sunday."

While Lugar provided the only specific numbers, the cost of rebuilding Iraq and calls for more openness about U.S. plans in the country have been a concern among lawmakers and were the subject on Sunday's talk-show circuit.

Rep. Marty Meehan, D-Mass., said Bush needs "to get a U.N. Security Council resolution so we're not seen as occupiers in the region."

"We basically need to have a discussion in this country with the American people about why Iraq is important and who is going to share the burden of paying for it," said Meehan on CNN's "Late Edition."

Leveling with the people

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., wrote Sunday in a Washington Post op-ed article that "the administration should level with the American people about the cost and commitment required to transform Iraq."

"There is an insufficient sense of urgency in Washington, and needs on the ground in Iraq are going unmet. Contrary to administration assurances, our military force levels are obviously inadequate," wrote McCain, who recently returned from Iraq.

Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., said the United Nations is a necessary part of the Iraq equation now, no matter how distasteful the idea might be to the Bush administration.

"I think we should have done it weeks and weeks ago," said Shays, also appearing on CNN "We need the U.N. not only to draw in other military forces and other civilian forces from other countries, but we need them to help coordinate ... the nongovernment agencies."

Bush spoke by telephone Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi about possible international cooperation in Iraq, the White House said. Putin, visiting Berlusconi on the Italian island of Sardinia, said Saturday that Russia would welcome an international force under U.N. auspices -- but under U.S. command.