WASHINGTON (AFX-ASIA) - The administration of President George W. Bush said it expects Congress to appropriate about 20 bln usd to help authorities here and in New York cope with the aftermath of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. "It is so important for the people in New York City and Washington DC to know that their government is fully behind them," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson told MSNBC television. He said the money request will be contained in a supplemental appropriations bill that will allow federal dollars to flow into the affected communities. The administration expects Congress to act on the request as early as Thursday, Thompson said. However, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Thomas Daschle said he was not certain about the size of the supplemental bill. "I think it's premature to come to any conclusion as to what the figure will be," Daschle told CNN. He said he was certain Congress will appropriate whatever resources may be required. "We'll work with the administration. We'll get out best assessment as to what the cost will entail, and we will appropriate that amount," Daschle said.