Funds Stalled In Congress Amid Afghanistan Fatigue

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128576442&f=1002&sc=igg2

by David Welna

In late May, the Senate approved President Obama's request for nearly $40 billion in emergency war funding. Most of that was to pay for an additional 30,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

The House also approved that funding, more than two weeks ago. Still, even though the Pentagon says the money is urgently needed, it remains tied up in disputes between the chambers.

Some lawmakers say that reflects a growing trend on Capitol Hill: Afghanistan fatigue.

There was a sense of urgency earlier this year on the supplemental on Afghanistan. I don't sense it as much anymore.

- Iowa Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin

Funding The War

When Defense Secretary Robert Gates had lunch behind closed doors the other day with Senate Republicans, he would not say what they had discussed when asked by reporters. But Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell would.