WASHINGTON - President [Bush] sounded an upbeat note about the war in Iraq yesterday, saying "good progress" has been made by U.S.-led troops and urging Congress to approve $74.7 billion to pay for the conflict.

Bush also tried to counter criticism that humanitarian aid, which he had promised on Sunday would start flowing in 36 hours, had not yet arrived in Iraq.

On the home front, Bush requested more funding for the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security for patrolling of borders, port security and investigation of domestic terrorism threats.