US President, George W Bush, has ruled out raising taxes to pay for the cost of the massive recovery effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The estimated cost of reconstruction is up to $200 billion.
'It's going to cost whatever it costs. We're going to be wise
about the money we spend,' Bush replied when quizzed on what he has said will be one of the largest reconstruction projects in the world.
Some in the president's Republican party have begun complaining about the post-storm effort, which they warn could eclipse spending on the war in Iraq.
'The key question is to make sure that the costs are wisely
spent, and that we work with Congress to make sure that we are able to manage our budget in a wise way. And that is going to mean cutting other programs,' said Bush.
His comments came during a joint press conference at the White House with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In his weekly radio address, Mr Bush is again expected to describe the programme as an opportunity to build better and stronger communities.
The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Katrina has risen to 792.
