Mr. Bush Reports

Monday, September 8, 2003; Page A20

PRESIDENT BUSH last night made clearer than ever that the U.S. commitment to Iraq will be costly, in dollars as well as in human casualties. It's a message he should have been delivering since before the war began. It is welcome now, though, as is his willingness to specify to Congress how much money he will seek for Iraq and Afghanistan security and reconstruction in the coming fiscal year. Mr. Bush is right to say that the United States must stay the course in both countries, and he is right to seek substantial resources for the task. But that's only the beginning of a conversation. Congress will and should ask many questions.

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