Bush's call for a massive federal involvement in hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts has prompted concern among Republicans, who fear uncontrolled spending and deficits.

"We have already spent more than enough to take care of the fundamentals," said Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, who voted for the first $62 billion in aid.

"If the president submits another (spending) supplemental to Congress, I don't know that I'm necessarily going to vote for it. I'm very concerned that the money we are pouring into this will exceed the actual need," he added.

Many conservatives have suggested that Congress look for ways to cut or redirect federal spending to pay for hurricane relief.

David Boaz, vice president of the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, said fiscal conservatives are likely to be outraged by the president's call for a strong federal role in rebuilding, but that approach is in keeping with Bush's approach to governing.

"Bush is a big government president," said Boaz, noting that the president has championed expansion of Medicare and presided over increased federal spending.

Bush been also under fire from by congressional Democrats, who Thursday released what they called their "Marshall Plan" to rebuild and restore the Gulf Coast.

The Democratic plan calls for funds to help victims of Katrina with emergency housing, health care and education assistance.

Democrats have objected to GOP plans for a congressional committee to investigate the federal response to the hurricane and say that an objective probe can only be done by an independent commission.

And Democratic lawmakers have also criticized Bush for waiving a number of federal regulations in the Gulf region, including the Davis Bacon Act, which requires federal contractors to pay prevailing wages.

"The gulf region does not deserve to be treated as a laboratory for political opportunism or ideological experimentation," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

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Contributing: Samantha Levine