Top Republicans, led by President Bush himself, yesterday turned back efforts to make Iraqis pay to rebuild their country, as the House Appropriations Committee approved an additional $86.9 billion to help create a Muslim democracy in the Middle East.

The measure still faces additional hurdles on the House floor next week and more in the Senate. But if the bill, which passed the committee on a 47-14 vote, succeeds, Americans will shoulder the entire burden for continued military occupation there, as well as for rebuilding Iraqi roads, water systems and hospitals...