AFP

US President George W Bush has formally asked lawmakers for $US70 billion ($74.9 billion) to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan into early next year, when his successor takes over.

The budgetary measure includes a request for $824 million in new aid to cope with food shortages and soaring prices that have left many hungry and fuelled angry protests around the world.

The request came as Mr Bush's previous $115 billion request for the wars has languished in the US Congress, which is controlled by Democrats who oppose the US involvement in Iraq.

The monies include $48.2 billion for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, $3.9 billion to expand and train Afghan security forces, and $2.14 billion to bolster Iraq's security forces.

The request also seeks $3.21 billion for classified activities, $2.35 billion to cope with rising fuel costs, $3.2 billion for technology to battle improvised explosive devices like roadside bombs, and $2.78 billion to transport and maintain armoured vehicles resistant to such weapons.

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