US lawmakers: New tax should pay for Afghan war

http://rawstory.com/news/afp/US_lawmakers_New_tax_should_pay_for_11192009.html


Influential US lawmakers on Thursday called for levying a new income tax to pay for the war in Afghanistan, warning its costs pose a mortal threat to efforts like a sweeping health care overhaul.

"Regardless of whether one favors the war or not, if it is to be fought, it ought to be paid for," the lawmakers, all prominent Democratic allies of Obama, said in a joint statement on the "Share The Sacrifice Act of 2010."

How about it, Sen. Coburn? You have insisted that spending for veterans' benefits be paid for in advance. Do you feel the same way about the underlying war? Or is war spending different than taking care of the soldiers who fight the wars?