Congressional investigators: Iraq government has budget surplus to use for its own security

US watchdogs say Iraq has own money for security

WASHINGTON — Congressional investigators estimate that Iraq has about $11.8 billion in surplus money available to use for its own security.

The Government Accountability Office report comes as U.S. lawmakers consider an administration proposal to spend $2 billion for Iraqi security forces in the upcoming budget year.

The Pentagon, State Department and U.S. Treasury are questioning the estimate in the new report.

They say that because Iraq’s income is vulnerable to the ups and down of the oil market, the Baghdad government needs to keep enough money in reserve to cover salaries and other expenses.

Online:

GAO report gao.gov/products/GAO-10-304