Following a devastating hurricane season, the US faces a massive reconstruction bill. Hurricane Katrina is likely to cost the federal government $200bn (£112.5bn) before any addition for Hurricane Rita. How President George W. Bush and his allies in Congress propose paying for this will reveal whether they are remotely serious about bringing the US budget deficit under control.

The traditional response in times of crisis is to ask citizens to make financial sacrifices. Mr Bush, however, has never done this. His administration has repeatedly summoned the American people to great challenges without ever asking them to tighten their belts.