Bush may get broader authority to use force

The US Congress was today considering granting President George W Bush broader authority to use military might against terrorists…

The US Congress was today considering granting President George W Bush broader authority to use military might against terrorists who took part in this week's deadly attacks in New York and Washington.

Congressman Richard Gephardt, leader of the congressional Democrats, told ABC television that meetings on the matter were held between the White House and congressional leaders yesterday, and said follow-up talks were planned for yesterday.

"The president has been talking to us, yesterday and today, about what legal authorization he thinks he needs," Mr Gephardt said.

"The president has sent language that we're looking at, we'll be talking about with him and his people today," he said, adding that there was substantial support for the White House request.

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The Missouri Democrat said the measure would be expedited by both houses of the US Congress.

"It's a joint resolution ... that gives him legal authority to respond to this situation and to use force," Mr Gephardt said.

AFP