Kathleen Ridolfo
RFE/RL Iraq Report Vol. 6, No. 46
November 7, 2003

The U.S. Congress on November 3 approved an $87.5 billion appropriations bill for reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year, international media reported. The emergency funds were approved by a voice vote, rather than roll-call vote. It provides about $20 billion for Iraq in the form of a grant, despite earlier calls by members of Congress that the funds be given to Iraq in the form of a loan.