Bush wants $74bn for month-long war

President Bush is expected to ask Congress for more than $74bn to pay for the war with Iraq, assuming a month of combat, and for strengthening counter-terrorism efforts at home, aides said tonight

The money measure, which the president planned to describe to congressional leaders he invited to the White House, was dominated by $63bn for the Department of Defence.

It presumed the military effort to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein would take 30 days, aides said.