Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress are putting aside their party differences and considering a massive $40 billion budget to avenge Tuesday’s attack and pay for the rebuilding of Manhattan.
"President Bush knows he will have the unanimous support of members of both houses [of Congress] when he decides where, when and how to unleash, as [former president] Roosevelt said in the 40s, 'the righteous might of the United States' against those who attacked us on Tuesday," said Senator Joseph Lieberman.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Mr Thomas Daschle said lawmakers were working on a resolution that would "provide a clear statement of authority.
"At the same time, we want to make sure we've thought it through and that it's not language that we would later all regret... to take just a few hours to do that is the responsible thing to do."
Senator John Warner of Virginia was less reticent: "The resolution which I and others are working on will be far stronger, will send a much more resolute message throughout our nation and the world that this president and Congress, and the people of the US, stand squarely behind the commander-in-chief and our armed forces when he gives the order."
Negotiations are continuing on the exact wording of the document.
Democratic Senator Mr Charles Schumer of New York said President Bush had agreed to ask for $40 billion, with 20 billion earmarked to help New York.
On the appropriation measure, Sen Daschle said work was continuing, but "whatever that final amount is, it would be a major mistake to consider it the last amount.
"That amount is only the first installment of what we recognize will be a complicated and a very expensive response by the Congress, by this federal government to all of the needs we have as a nation in time of need."
AFP