White House set to seek up to $90bn to help fund conflict

THE White House is expected to ask Congress for up to $90 billion to pay for a war with Iraq and other expenses within days of the start of combat, congressional and White House aides have said.

The bill would also include aid for Israel, a key US ally in the region, and funds for anti-terrorism efforts at home, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Two officials said President Bush could send the measure to Capitol Hill as early as Friday.