Beg or borrow

The House and Senate on Friday approved nearly 87 billion for the US efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the Senate challenged President G...

The House and Senate on Friday approved nearly 87 billion for the US efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the Senate challenged President George W. Bush by imposing conditions, setting the stage for negotiations that could test his political muscle. The House, which passed the measure by a 303-125 vote, gave Bush what he wanted, including nearly 20 billion to help rebuild Iraq. But the version approved by the Senate, 87-12, would require half the reconstruction funds to be a loan, a provision White House opposes.

Passage of the spending measure comes as Democrats have become more critical of Bush8217;s Iraq policy and have sought to highlight the administration8217;s growing expenditures abroad while the federal budget deficit grows and domestic programmes are cut. In addition, the Senate vote was the latest rebuff to Bush delivered by members of his own party, which controls Congress.

Bush pats Arroyo for anti-terror efforts

MANILA: US President George W. Bush praised his Philippine counterpart Gloria Macapagal Arroyo8217;s commitment to do war on terror during his visit here on Saturday. For Arroyo, Bush8217;s visit may mean a much-needed boost as she seeks a new term in next May8217;s election, with the economy sluggish, state debt mounting and uncertainty still rumbling after a failed coup in July. Reuters

Bush praised the House and Senate for acting to 8216;8216;provide the resources necessary to make Iraq more secure and support its transition to self-government, which is critical to winning the war on terror.8217;8217; But he criticised the Senate action, saying the loan would 8216;8216;slow the reconstruction of Iraq, delay democratic process, and send the wrong message to both the region and the world.8217;8217;

Congressional Republican leaders predicted that Bush8217;s position would prevail when House and Senate negotiators meet next week to reconcile differences.Sen Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, said, 8216;8216;Those who vote against this bill will be voting against supporting our men and women in the field.8217;8217; But Sen Robert Byrd, Virginia, who voted against the measure, challenged the assertion saying they opposed the measure as they 8216;8216;do not believe this war was justified.8217;8217;

On Thursday, eight Republicans joined 43 Democrats in the Senate to pass the loan amendment. Under the measure, half of the 20 billion would be treated as a loan unless nations like France, Germany and Russia, forgive most of the more than 95 billion they are owed by Iraq.LAT-WP