Bush Requests $2.2 Billion More for New Orleans Levees
President Bush formally has asked Congress to provide an additional $2.2 billion for the Corps of Engineers to strengthen levees in and around New Orleans. The new aid, contained in an April 25 request, would supplement the $1.46 billion Bush proposed in February. If lawmakers approve the latest proposed installment , it would bring the Corps' total for work on New Orleans levees and related projects to nearly $6 billion.
The House included the $1.46 billion for the Corps in a $92-billion emergency supplemental aid package it approved March 16. The Senate Appropriations Committee boosted the Corps' funding to $2.1 billion in the supplemental spending measure it cleared before the Easter recess. Senate floor debate has begun on that bill.