Global War on Terrorism: Observations on Funding, Costs, and Future Commitments

Since the beginning of GWOT in 2001, Congress has appropriated about 430 billion to DOD and other U.S. government agencies for military and diplomatic efforts in support of GWOT. This funding has been provided through regular appropriations as well as supplemental appropriations, which are provided outside of the normal budget process. Since September 2001, DOD has received about 386 billion for GWOT military operations, including funding for homeland defense through Operation Noble Eagle. This 386 billion includes bridge funding in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 to continue GWOT operations until supplemental appropriations could be enacted. In addition, U.S. government agencies, including the Department of State State, DOD, and the United States Agency for International Development USAID, have received about 44 billion since 2001 to fund reconstruction and stabilization programs in Iraq 34.5 billion and Afghanistan 9 billion with an additional 400 million for the Commanders Emergency Response Program in Iraq and Afghanistan. For fiscal year 2007, DOD has requested another 50 billion in bridge funding for military operations and other U.S. government agencies have requested 771 million for reconstruction and stabilization activities.