The U.S. administration, citing "national security needs and special circumstances" to bypass Congressional prohibitions, is sending $20 million in special aid to the Palestinian Authority to help strengthen the government of Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. Israel was notified of the aid and did not express any objections. Congressional legislation prohibits direct aid to the PA, requiring aid to go through international agencies or non-governmental organizations. Therefore, President George W. Bush needed a special article in the legislation that allows the president to bypass the prohibition for reasons of national security and unexpected circumstances. After consultation with Congress, Deputy Secretary...