Bush requests funds for storm victims

WASHINGTON — President Bush asked Congress on Tuesday for another $3.1 billion to help Florida and other states recover from the battering they endured from recent hurricanes.

The measure was focused on helping Florida repair the damage from Hurricanes Charley and Frances. It also included money for flooding and other destruction in southeastern states like North and South Carolina, though no breakdown by state was immediately available.

The request was the second time in less than two weeks that the president has sought an infusion of federal funds to help victims of the disasters. With unusual haste, Congress approved Bush’s initial $2 billion request for hurricane aid Sept. 7, a day after he asked for it.

Including Bush’s latest request, total federal spending and loans for the two storms is likely to exceed $7 billion, according to documents submitted to Congress.

“These additional requests will allow for a comprehensive response and recovery effort to address the critical needs” arising from the storms, Bush wrote in a letter to congressional leaders.

The government will have to borrow the money for the latest request — as well as for the first bill — making federal deficits higher.

The election-year request was politically sensitive because of its impact on Florida, which again looms as a potentially pivotal state in the November elections.

In his letter, Bush urged lawmakers to limit the bill “to those items directly related to the recovery efforts from the impact of these recent major disasters.”

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, said he hoped Congress would complete the bill by the end of September, although it was unclear if this deadline could be met.

Battles seemed likely with Midwestern senators, who were lining up to add money for farmers in their region suffering from drought and floods.

Stevens said he would oppose such efforts. “They’ve lost income, but they haven’t lost homes and businesses and utilities,” he said of the Midwesterners.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., said he would support the drive for extra funds. He faces a tight re-election race back home.

“Why is it we can deal with disasters in the Gulf, but not with disasters in the Great Plains?” Daschle said.

Bush’s latest request does not cover potential damage from Hurricane Ivan, expected to hit the Gulf Coast later this week.