US auditor says Iraqi oil windfall growing even bigger than expected

US auditor says Iraqi oil windfall growing even bigger than expected — maybe up to $70 billion
WASHINGTON: New data on Iraq oil revenues suggests that country's government will reap an even larger than expected windfall this year — as much as $70 billion (€43.9 billion) — according to the special U.S. auditor for Iraq.

The previously undisclosed information is likely to strengthen the hand of U.S. lawmakers complaining that Iraqis are not footing enough of the bill for rebuilding their nation — particularly in light of rising oil production and world prices.

Oil prices Wednesday hovered near $120 (€75) a barrel.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates met privately Tuesday night with Senate Armed Forces Committee Chairman Carl Levin, where the Democrat said he would raise the issue of spending in Iraq.

New figures from Iraq's government show revenue from exports hit $5.83 billion (€3.6 billion) in December — more than $1 billion (€630 million) over what was previously reported by the government, said Stuart Bowen, special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, in an interview with The Associated Press.
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http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/23/america/NA-GEN-US-Iraq-Oil.php
Linked from ICasualties.org

But we're still paying for everything and can't manage to take care of the wounded without some people in Washington saying taking care of the wounded the right way will cost too much money.