Reply #10: GOP revolt brews over bill for Katrina [View All]

[sabra]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002509224_katcong21.html


GOP revolt brews over bill for Katrina

WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans yesterday rejected the White House's open-wallet approach to rebuilding the Gulf Coast, a sign that the lockstep GOP discipline President Bush has enjoyed for most of his two terms is eroding on Capitol Hill.

Trying to allay mounting concerns, White House budget director Joshua Bolten met with Republican senators for an hour after their regular Tuesday lunch yesterday. Senators said they were annoyed by the lack of concrete ideas for paying the Hurricane Katrina bill.

"Very entertaining," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said sarcastically as he left the session. "I haven't heard any specifics from the administration."

"At least give us some idea" of how to cover the cost, said Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont., who faces re-election in 2006. "We owe that to the American taxpayer."