Congress Receives $83.4 Billion Supplemental Budget Request

The Obama administration submitted an $83.4 billion supplemental budget request to Congress on April 9, to cover costs for military, intelligence, and diplomatic operations. Key items include $38 billion to continue combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, $11.6 billion to replace or refurbish equipment that has been worn out during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, $9.8 billion to improve body armor, and $1.5 billion to continue research into mitigating the threat posed by improvised explosive devices.