Pentagon's relatively small Iraq costs may jump with escalation
A big escalation in US military activity against Islamic State militants could force the Pentagon to seek more money from Congress as policymakers draft next year's budget, though it should be able to pay for the current pace of operations from existing funds.
The prospect of seeking more money for the Pentagon just months ahead of congressional elections could raise scrutiny on Capitol Hill of the Obama administration's decision on whether to step up US efforts against the jihadists in Iraq and Syria.
