Pelosi opposes possible "war tax"

U.S. Army cadets bow their heads in prayer during the invocation before U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, December 1, 2009.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives said on Thursday she opposes a possible "war tax" to fund an escalation of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey has suggested such a tax but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at her weekly news conference, "I am not in support of the proposal."

Pelosi did not offer alternative funding possibilities but said she has asked the White House for a briefing for all members of Congress on the troop buildup.

The speaker said she wanted the briefing, in addition to ongoing congressional hearings, "so we can make some judgment about the nature of the threat, the nature of the mission" and the need for resources.

"We have to handle it with care, listen to what they have to say, and then members will have to make their decisions. Some have already made their decisions," Pelosi said.

Initial congressional reaction among Democrats has ranged from outright opposition to qualified support. Republicans have largely backed the troop buildup.

Congress has to pay for the troop increase and despite plenty of concerns, is expected to do so.

In renewing his call for a possible "war tax," Obey this week estimated that the military operation could cost up to $900 billion during the next decade, "which could devour our ability to pay for the actions necessary to rebuild our own economy."

(Reporting by Thomas Ferraro; Editing by Vicki Allen and Bill Trott)