Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3-24-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / WAR BUDGET O'NITER (L-O)

NUMBER=2-301234

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush Tuesday is to formally ask Congress for some 75 billion dollars in emergency funds to help pay for the U-S-led war to disarm Iraq. Congressional leaders received a preview from President Bush late Monday. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT: Lawmakers, eager to demonstrate their support for U-S troops, are expected to approve the funding quickly.

Some Democrats, however, have begun questioning whether the package is big enough to cover the costs of waging war and rebuilding Iraq after the conflict.

Senator Ted Kennedy is a Massachusetts Democrat:

/// KENNEDY ACTUALITY ///

As we watched events unfold on our television screens in recent days, it became clearer than ever that more needs will arise because of the war, both in the short term and in the long term.

/// END ACT ///

Many Democrats and even some Republicans have been frustrated that the Bush administration did not make the emergency funding request earlier. U-S officials argued that uncertainties surrounding the war made cost estimates difficult.

Lawmakers are considering the package as they complete work on Mr. Bush's two-point-two trillion dollar budget request for next year and his proposed 726 billion dollar tax cut plan.

Democrats, including Senator Kennedy, argue that the added costs of the war in Iraq make it the wrong time to pursue a budget with large tax cuts.

/// KENNEDY ACTUALITY ///

The narrow Republican majorities in the House and Senate are bent on rushing the budget through Congress quickly while public attention is preoccupied with the war. If it ever passes, this budget will be part of the collateral damage caused by the war, haunting us for years to come.

/// END ACT ///

The House has already passed the President's budget and tax cut plan. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Wednesday. (signed)

NEB/DAT/MAR