Report: Iraq contracts have cost billions

WASHINGTON (AP) - August 12, 2008 That's the finding in a report released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office. It will likely give new fodder to critics who have accused contractors of over billing and providing shoddy work.

Of the total, an estimated $6 billion to $10 billion went to security performed by contractors.

The study did not include figures for 2008, so the total paid since the invasion of Iraq in 2003 is probably much higher.

The United States has leaned heavily on contractors in Iraq to provide services ranging from food service to guarding diplomats.