The U.S., Congress has begun a two week holiday break with major government funding legislation left unfinished, and amid continuing battles between Democrats and Republicans, and between Democrats and President Bush, over spending on everything from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to important domestic programs.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says Pentagon funding shortfalls resulting from congressional debate about the conduct of the Iraq war could result in difficulty supplying the troops and significant layoffs in his department.

President Bush has sent an emergency request to the U.S. Congress for an extra $46 billion in expedited funds for Iraq, Afghanistan and other national security needs. VOA White House correspondent Paula Wolfson reports the money is in addition to the $145 billion in war-related spending included in his original 2008 budget.

The White House and the U.S. Congress resume negotiations this week on a revised war-funding bill. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports the tone is collegial, but there is no sign of an imminent breakthrough. There is a wide gap between the White House and Capitol Hill on the revised war spending bill.