spain

BBC reports that Spain has pledged $300 million towards reconstruction in Iraq.

Meanwhile, the US Senate has voted to set aside $10 billion (of the $87 billion supplemental) as loans.

The $10bn loan could be converted by President Bush to a grant if France, Russia, Saudi Arabia and other creditors forgive at least 90% of Iraq's debt, roughly set at $130bn.

Common Dreams reports on its home page that an amendment to increase pay for troops has been defeated. The vote was a tie which means the bill failed.

By a recorded vote of 213 ayes to 213 noes, the House rejected an amendment to increase the basic rate of pay to all military services by $265 million - the amount needed to provide a $1,500 bonus to each person serving in operations in Iraq or Afghanistan for FY 2004. The $265 million is roughly equal to what many suspect Halliburton is overcharging the U.S. government in Iraq.

- House Roll Call Vote #554, 10/17/03

Check the vote out. The vote is along party lines with Democrats voting to increase pay and Republicans voting against.