Bush responds to pressure from his own party

WASHINGTON - In deciding to go on national television tonight to push an Iraqi financial package of up to $80 billion, President Bush is responding to pressure from his party to be more open about his plans for the country's occupation and reconstruction.

At a time of economic distress at home and growing criticism about American casualties in Iraq, Republican congressional sources said GOP House and Senate leaders made it clear to Bush that he needs to be more forthright about what the U.S. commitment in Iraq entails.

With the price of security and reconstruction surging beyond expectations, Democrats and Republicans are demanding greater accountability for spending in Iraq from an administration that has kept them largely in the dark about costs. The size of the latest financial package has taken many in Congress aback, although Bush is expected to win approval.

"In order to get this kind of money, there's not going to be a blank check attached to it," said Rep. Zach Wamp, a Republican from Tennessee who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "This is one request we need to vet closely. It does not have to be fast-tracked despite the fact that time is of the essence."

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