Haley Stevens: “the agreement reached in this body provides $40 billion to respond to the attacks in New York and Washington, and the…”

“the agreement reached in this body provides $40 billion to respond to the attacks in New York and Washington, and the plane crash in Pennsylvania, as follows: $10 billion available immediately for the President to utilize; $10 billion available 15 days after the President submits a plan; $20 billion available for allocation in subsequent acts. This compromise provides the initial $20 billion sought by the President with virtually no restriction, and provides a second $20 billion pursuant to the President's commitment to the Governor of New York and the New York delegation that $20 billion would be available for the domestic response and recovery effort. The President can use any of the funds for national security purposes--but of the total of $40 billion, not less than $20 billion is only available for the domestic recovery effort. As context, Congress initially provided $15 billion for the gulf war effort; nearly $10 billion for the California earthquakes. All of the funds are available until expended, to ensure there is no rush to obligate prematurely. The arrangement fulfills the President's commitment to New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania for the families of those on board the hijacked aircraft, and ensure adequate funds are available for any initial military or intelligence requirements, without a competition for funds between those two needs.”