The president has announced plans to send an additional 4,400 troops to Iraq, on top of the 21,500 combat troops he’s already authorized. Bush has requested $3.2 billion to pay for the increase, putting the ball in the Democrats’ court.

Reuters:

Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the extra troops would include up to 2,400 military police to handle an anticipated increase in Iraqi detainees.

In addition, about 2,000 more combat support troops will be needed to bolster the 21,500. Also, 129 temporary Defense Department positions are needed to help in provincial Iraqi reconstruction.

Bush sent House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, a letter revising a $100 billion request for funding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to take account of the $3 billion needed for the extra troops.

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