Resorting to voice votes, both the Senate and the House of Representative rushed through a supplemental appropriations bill that will enable the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help victims of Hurricanes Charley and Frances that hit the peninsula within a three-week period in August and September, causing billions of dollars in damage.

"We stand united in our efforts to help those who have lost so much," said Democratic Representative Alcee Hastings whose district stretches along Florida's Atlantic coastline and is therefore among the most severely hit. "With time and the necessary resources, I am confident that we will recover."

He said Hurricane Frances, which slammed into Florida late Saturday, has destroyed hundreds of homes in his predominantly black district while flooding citrus, sugar and tomato fields in other parts of the state.

The storm has left five people dead, according to state officials, but local television attributed at least 13 deaths to the rough weather.

More than 1.8 million customers remained without power as of late Tuesday, and over 9,600 people -- mostly those whose homes have been destroyed or damaged -- remained in emergency shelters throughout the state, the officials said.

"For the millions who have been affected, life has come to a standstill," Hastings pointed out.

On Saturday, US President George W. Bush declared "a major disaster" in Florida, a move that unlocked federal government coffers to local authorities providing emergency relief to affected areas.

But those funds, according to congressional officials, are expected to run out at midnight Tuesday (0400 GMT Wednesday).

President Bush, who will visit the disaster area on Wednesday, was expected to sign the new funding bill before then.

However, administration officials have made it clear the approved two billion dollars is just the first installment of a larger relief package for Florida envisaged by the White House.

"I anticipate making a further request in the coming days that will provide for a comprehensive response and recovery effort addressing the impact of both of these hurricanes," Bush said in a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert on Monday.

The National Guard has called up 4,100 troops in Florida, as well as thousands in other nearby states to assist in the distribution of supplies and to assist police in maintaining law and order.

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