National Digest

Gates puts '09 war costs at $136B

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Defense Secretary Robert Gates says military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan would cost almost $136 billion for the 2009 budget year that began Oct. 1 if they continue at their current pace.

Speaking for neither his current boss, President George W. Bush - nor his future one, President-elect Barack Obama - Gates told top lawmakers in a New Year's Eve letter that the Pentagon would need nearly $70 billion more to supplement the $66 billion approved last year.

Opposition to seating Burris weakens

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former Illinois Attorney...