The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed an $87.5 billion aid package for Iraq and Afghanistan early today, giving President Bush a victory to savor as he relaxes at his Texas ranch over the weekend. The 298-to-121 vote came shortly after midnight. The Senate is expected to approve the package on Monday, sending it immediately to the White House for the president’s signature. Most importantly, from the White House perspective, the package does not include any loan strings. Some lawmakers had argued that Iraq should be made to pay back at least some of the assistance, but Mr. Bush and his allies insisted that it was not in the long-range interest of Iraq — or the United States — to saddle the new, post-Saddam Hussein government with a heavy debt burden. Full Story
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