Jun 18, 2008 11:00 pm US/Central
Reality Check: MN U.S. Senate Race Air Wars Begin
(WCCO)
Despite soaring oil revenues, Iraq is not paying to rebuild the country, and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken says the U.S. should stop paying for reconstruction.
"We're building 810 schools; 4,800 water and sewage projects; 1,047 roads and bridges," said Franken in his TV ad. "No, not in America. In Iraq."
All of this is TRUE.
Since 2003, the U.S. paid $46 billion for reconstruction projects after the invasion. In 2003 and 2004, it paid about 60 percent of reconstruction costs and 50 percent last year.
But how much longer?
IN FACT...
Iraq has enough money to pay for reconstruction. Oil production is up significantly and oil prices are at record highs.
Iraq oil revenues this year alone are estimated to be at about $70 billion. That's money that Franken says the U.S. should force Iraq to spend on reconstruction -- and begin the process of withdrawing troops.
"I'm Al Franken. It's time to bring our brave troops home with a responsible plan for withdrawal and focus here," Franken said in his ad. "On education, health care, jobs and infrastructure."
Here is what you NEED TO KNOW.
Franken says the U.S. should set a deadline right now and begin the process of removing American troops. He says it could begin in about 10 months, and could take up to 18 months.
And that's where Franken is different from Republican Senator Norm Coleman.
"And the difference we have now," said Coleman. "Is that he supports cutting off funding. I don't. I think that's a legitimate debate."
Here's MORE.
Coleman supports the Iraq War effort and believes the U.S. can win. He also believes Iraq should get loans from the U.S. for reconstruction, but should not be cut off.
And Coleman opposes setting any deadline to bring American troops home.
That's Reality Check.
To check the resources for this Reality Check click on the links below:
Video: Franken Unveils New Ad
Iraq Reconstruction: April 2008 Report
Tracking Variables of Reconstruction & Security in Post-Saddam Iraq
GOA: Stabilizing And Rebuilding Iraq
Franken For Senate: Position On Iraq
Franken, Coleman Continue To Spar Over Iraq
Coleman Joins Effort To Reduce Reconstruction Costs In Iraq 
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