Senate sends Bush more storm aid

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a
bill providing $51.8 billion in additional money for relief
efforts in the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.

The Senate’s unanimous vote came shortly after the House of
Representatives passed an identical bill. The measure now goes
to President George W. Bush for enactment.

Congress has now approved a total of $62.3 billion in
hurricane assistance. Bush has told Congress it should expect
additional emergency requests, but it has not given any
estimates of the dollar amounts.