US Senate approves $87bn for Iraq and Afghan campaigns

The US president has today welcomed the Senate's assent to release around $87 billion in funding which will be channelled into the military and Iraqi and Afghani rebuilding programmes.

The bulk of the money will be handed over to the US military – which benefits to the tune of £63 billion. The reconstruction of Iraqi infrastructure and its oil producing facilities is the other main recipient and has been earmarked around £18 billion.

Welcoming the vote – which was passed by 298-121 – Mr Bush said that these were "vital funds to support our mission and our troops deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere".

He added: "Our country is being tested. Those who seek to kill coalition forces and innocent Iraqis want America and its coalition partners to run so the terrorists can reclaim control. The strong bipartisan show of support for this bill underscores that America and the world are united to prevail in the central front in the War on Terror by helping build a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Iraq."

The president said that the new resources would provide "essential support" to make Iraq more secure and to help the Iraqi people transition to self-government. The funds will also enable us to continue our efforts to help Afghanistan become a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous nation that contributes to regional stability, Mr Bush said.

The Congressional approval of another huge slew of funding comes just two days after 16 US personnel were killed in an attack on a transport helicopter in Iraq. Four other US soldiers were reported killed that day, in what was the worst 24 hours the US has suffered in the country since the end to hostilities on May 1.

Paying tribute to the fallen, President Bush said that "some of the best Americans have fallen in defence of freedom and liberty".

He added: "We mourn every loss. We honour every name. We grieve with every family. And we will always be grateful that liberty has found such brave defenders."

(gmcg)