Congress Passes $51.8 Billion in Katrina Aid
Congress approves a $51.8 billion emergency spending bill for Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. But some Democrats are not happy about the legislation, and they have further questions about the effectiveness of a congressional investigation into the failures of the relief effort.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the legislation Thursday, a rarity for a body that can take far longer to dwell on aid packages. The House vote was 410 to 11; the Senate was 97 to 0.
Last week, President Bush asked for and received $10.5 billion in aid for the Gulf Coast region. More than $23 billion of the new package is earmarked for individual housing and medical assistance.
Related NPR Stories
U.S. Farmers Fret Over Stalled Exports Sep. 8, 2005
Mexican Troops Bring Aid to Gulf Sep. 8, 2005
Bush: Ease Benefit Process for Katrina Survivors Sep. 8, 2005
Other Countries Reach Out with Katrina Aid Sep. 7, 2005
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.