WASHINGTON

LAWMAKERS WORK TO PASS HURRICANE AND DROUGHT RELIEF PACKAGE

Lawmakers scrambled to approve a $14 billion package to aid hurricane and drought victims yesterday, driven by warnings that relief money was running out and a need to pass legislation before the planned departure of Congress at the end of this week for the election. With little time left in this session, House and Senate negotiators agreed to attach the disaster relief package to a $32 billion spending bill for the Homeland Security Department, but problems with that bill were complicating hopes to win quick passage. Rep. Bill Young, a Republican from hurricane-wracked Florida and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the situation was dire. The Federal Emergency Management Agency “runs out of money tomorrow night to deal with four terrible, disastrous hurricanes” which hit Florida and other states in the Southeast. The final shape of the emergency package was in the hands of House and Senate Republican leaders, who appeared to ready to accept a House-backed approach. The House on Wednesday voted for $11 billion in hurricane aid, adding to the $2 billion previously approved, and $2.9 billion to farm states in middle American that are suffering under a prolonged drought.

– Associated Press

NORTHEAST

PROSECUTORS CITE BIN LADEN, SEPTEMBER 11 IN N.Y. TERRORISM TRIAL

Federal prosecutors yesterday drew attention to Osama bin Laden, anti-American hatred, and September 11 as they rested the terrorism case against a civil rights attorney and two others – a tactic that drew an immediate protest from the defense. Ending their three-month presentation, prosecutors read the words of imprisoned Sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman urging people to target America, to “destroy their country and make it into pieces” by ruining the economy, burning companies, and destroying financial interests. Defense lawyer Michael Tigar protested that repeated references to Mr. bin Laden and hints of the attack on the World Trade Center could corrupt the judgment of jurors. He said he feared the jury might view it as “a case of them versus us.” Judge John Koeltl warned jurors even before they were chosen that charges in the case do not involve the events of September 11. Ms. Stewart and Mr. Yousry are charged with providing material support to terrorists. If convicted, each could face about 20 years in prison. Mr. Sattar faces the most serious charge – conspiring to kidnap and kill people in a foreign country – and could face life in prison if convicted. All have pleaded not guilty.

– Associated Press

FORMER NURSE ADMITS TO 17TH PATIENT DEATH

EASTON, Pa. – A former nurse admitted yesterday to his 17th on-the-job murder, telling a judge he killed a retired steel worker with an overdose of heart medication. Charles Cullen, who claims to have killed up to 40 patients during his nursing career in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, was somber and polite, saying little as he pleaded guilty to the 1998 murder of 78-year-old Ottomar Schramm at Easton Hospital. Speaking for her elderly mother, who was widowed by the death, Schramm’s daughter Kristina Toth told Cullen, “She feels sorry for you, and she especially feels sorry for your children.” The judge asked Cullen whether he wanted to explain why he picked Mr. Schramm as a victim. “At this time, I’d prefer not to,” Cullen said. Sentencing was tentatively set for December. Last spring, Cullen pleaded guilty to killing 16 patients at two New Jersey hospitals under a broad plea agreement that spared him the death penalty. Other deaths remain under review in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

– Associated Press