07/28/03: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Bush administration should publicly acknowledge that Iraqi rebuilding efforts will cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars over the next few years, a key Senate Republican said in a radio interview on Saturday.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard Lugar of Indiana said on National Public Radio that the White House understands there is a big price tag for rebuilding Iraq. ``But they do not wish to discuss that,'' Lugar said.

Asked by NPR whether rebuilding Iraq will cost tens of billions of dollars, Lugar responded, ``Yes. We are talking about that. And that's what needs to be talked about now as opposed to one surprise after another'' in funding requests to Congress.

Lugar supported the war in Iraq but has said U.S. post-war planning was inadequate. During the interview, Lugar said the White House should lay out a 4-year budget plan for providing security, humanitarian aid and other expenses related to rebuilding Iraq after the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein.

Lugar mentioned a possible cost of $30 billion.

On Tuesday, Lugar's committee will review U.S. progress in Iraq. High-ranking Pentagon and White House budget officials are expected to testify.

In the interview, Lugar also said top Bush administration officials were underestimating what is needed to get the security situation under control in Iraq.

Referring to recent statements by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that progress was achieved with the hiring of 30,000 Iraqi policemen, Lugar said, ``Almost all estimates are that 70,000 are required. That's tough to get.''