WASHINGTON, Sept 26 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday asked Congress to approve nearly $190 billion more in spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In prepared testimony to a Senate committee, Gates said the Bush administration sought the money for more training and equipment for the U.S. military, including new armored vehicles that give extra protection to troops against bomb blasts. The funds were for the 2008 fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

More money was also needed to train and equip Iraqi security forces as well as to improve U.S. facilities in the region and "consolidate our bases in Iraq," Gates said. Reuters obtained a copy of his remarks in advance of his testimony.

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