The planes were bought just few weeks after Sam Nujoma had appealed to the international community for drought aid.

He said the administration would reject possible bipartisan efforts on Capitol Hill to attach $6 billion in drought aid for farmers to the stop-gap measures.

Donors pledged US$170,000,000 in drought aid, US$100,000,000 less than the amount requested by the Banda regime.

Ms. Harrison said there was enough money to pay for drought aid without affecting any nutrition programs.

Or could I just skip this step and go right to the drought aid?

That's all the more reason to keep drought aid within bounds.

Mr. Lyng said his department was already providing drought aid, and he agreed with lawmakers that Congressional action might be necessary.

Mr. Daschle and his re-election also figured into the fight over the drought aid.

Congress offered about $200 million in drought aid in 2002.