Bush might delay $4 billion in contracts

CRAWFORD, Texas, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The United States might set aside up to $4 billion in Iraqi reconstruction projects, a senior administration official told CNN Wednesday.

The official said serious consideration has been given to delaying the reconstruction projects, originally set for after the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority gives power to the Iraqis at the end of June.

The official gave no reason why the money would be set aside and projects postponed.

"This is where the administration is leaning," the official said, describing the option as "almost a done deal."

"It's a matter of dotting the i's and crossing the t's."

The Pentagon would make any such an announcement, he said.

Asked whether the set-aside money would be reserved for France, Germany and Russia, the administration official said U.S. policy regarding those countries' access to primary contracts has not changed.

France, Germany and Russia were left off a list of countries eligible to bid on reconstruction contracts in Iraq. The three nations had opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq.