Bush Signs Emergency Spending Bill, Resolution Authorizing Use of ForceUS President George W. Bush Tuesday signed into law a 40 billion US dollars emergency spending bill on recovery from terrorist attacks and a congressional resolution authorizing use of military force against terrorists."Our whole nation is unalterably committed to a direct, forceful and comprehensive response to these terrorist attacks and the scourge of terrorism directed against the United States," Bush said in a statement. The bill and resolution were passed by Congress last week following the September 11 devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. The bill provides an immediate 10 billion dollars to be used to respond to the attacks, counter domestic and international terrorism, increase transportation security and repair facilities damaged by the attacks. Another 10 billion will be made available 15 days after the White House informs Congress of a plan for its use. At least half of the 40 billion dollars will go to disaster recovery activities in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, where a hijacked plane crashed. The resolution has authorized Bush "to use all necessary and appropriate force" against those responsible for the terrorist attacks in which over 5,000 people were feared dead. "It is necessary and appropriate that the United States exercises its rights to defend itself and protect United States citizens both at home and abroad," Bush said. |
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