The House also approved a floor amendment from Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-Minn.) that would bar U.S. reconstruction aid from going to firms from France, Russia, Germany and Syria. Kennedy said, "While I encourage other nations and multilateral organizations to be involved in the reconstruction of Iraq, I think that, when U.S. tax dollars are involved, we first ought to recognize the support of our friends in the coalition."

The House and Senate gave Bush the $62 billion he sought for the war, but the White House is objecting to funds both chambers added to help the struggling U.S. airline industry. The Office of Management and Budget called the House's $3.2-billion airline aid plan and the Senate's $3.5-billion provision "excessive."