$40bn OK'd to fight terrorism

White House officials and congressional leaders agreed early Friday to final details of a $40bn package to combat terrorism and recover from attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The figure was double what President Bush requested.

Determined to show a united front, lawmakers also seemed to be nearing agreement on a separate measure that would back the use of "necessary and appropriate force" by President Bush against the people responsible for Tuesday's attacks. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said the House could consider that bill as early as Friday.