Congress not tough enough on Saddam, says White House

THE White House yesterday opposed an alternative congressional resolution authorising force against Iraq, saying it does too little to disarm President Saddam Hussein.

President George Bush summoned congressmen to the White House to spur progress on the resolution.

As the Senate prepared to open debate this week on the resolution authorising Bush to wage war, congressional budget experts said fighting Iraq would cost up to $9.8 billion a month.