Senate Approves $87.5-Billion for Iraq, Including $13 Billion for Infrastructure 11/4/2003
The Senate has passed an $87.5-billion spending bill to fund military operations and reconstruction in Iraq. The voice vote on Nov. 3 follows the House's approval on Oct. 30. The measure now goes to President Bush, who has said he will sign it.
The spending package gives the White House most, but not all, of what it sought. Lawmakers scaled back President Bushs $20.3-billion Iraq relief and reconstruction request to $18.6 billion, deleting the most controversial provisions, including creating a Zip Code system and building two prisons. GOP leaders also knocked out a Senate-backed provision that would have required half of the reconstruction money to be repaid by Iraq. All of the funds now will be considered grants.