Bush seeks $52bn (€77bn) in hurricane aid
US Congress is considering an emergency aid package that would spend well over $1bn (€1.5bn) a day during the next month on housing, clothing and other recovery needs for Hurricane Katrina victims.
The House of Representatives, as early as today, was expected to approve the spending bill that the Bush administration described as the latest instalment in the costly relief effort.
“We will in fact need substantially more” money, said White House budget director Josh Bolten, estimating the funds would cover expenses for “a few weeks”.
Prospects were more uncertain in the Senate, where Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu of hurricane-ravaged Louisiana threatened to hold out for more funding.
Republicans said any attempt to amend the bill could lead to delays in getting the measure to President George Bush for his signature.
The $10.5bn (€15.5bn) aid hurricane relief Bush signed into law on Friday was expected to run out this evening.
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