WASHINGTON – Top administration officials pressed Congress on Thursday to quickly send President Bush the $74.7 billion he wants to begin paying for the war with Iraq, and didn’t rule out needing even more money before the year ends. Bush proposed the measure on Tuesday and has asked lawmakers to complete the legislation by April 11, which would be lightning fast action for Congress. House and Senate leaders plan to whip initial versions through their chambers by the end of next week, though disputes are raging over flexibility Bush wants in spending the money and add-ons lawmakers want for local law enforcement and struggling airlines.

Rumsfeld suggestslaying siege to Baghdad

WASHINGTON (AP) – Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld suggested on Thursday that U.S. forces bearing down on Baghdad might lay siege to the capital and hope anti-Saddam Hussein citizens rise up against the government before American troops have to invade the city of 5 million. Rumsfeld also said the United States and its battlefield allies would accept nothing short of total victory in Iraq. &uot;There isn’t going to be a cease-fire,” Rumsfeld told the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee. He said later, &uot;It will end at the point where that regime does not exist and a new regime is ready to go in its place.”

Sluggish economy may be headed for new recession

WASHINGTON – The economy that turned sluggish at the end of last year isn’t doing much better now – and may well be doing worse – as war uncertainties and the stagnant job market make consumers and businesses more cautious. Some analysts worry about a slide back into recession. Since the 2001 recession, the economy has tried, unsuccessfully so far, to get back to full throttle.

– By Associated Press