House panel OKs $87B Iraq Supplement

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The House Appropriations Committee approved the $86.7 billion dollar Iraq supplemental request Thursday, with final House action expected next week.

The Congressional Quarterly said the Bush administration's spending plan for Iraq and Afghanistan was approved 47-14 as an emergency fiscal 2004 supplemental package.

The vote followed more than four hours of debate, during which Republicans rejected most serious challenges, while approving a few minor changes.

Intensive lobbying by President Bush reportedly discouraged some Republicans from insisting on repayment of reconstruction aid.