The measure, proposed by Senator John Ensign, would be an amendment to the near 80 billion dollar budget supplement President George W. Bush has requested Congress approve to finance the war in Iraq and begin the post-war reconstruction.

"No funds made available in this Act for purposes of reconstruction in Iraq may be provided, to a person who is a citizen of or is organized under the laws of France or Germany, unless such person is a resident of or organized under the laws of the United States," reads the proposal.

A similar amendment was also to be submitted in the House of Representatives by Republican Jim Saxton of New Jersey. The House was to vote on the budget supplemental later Thursday.

Several opposition Democratic senators oppose the Ensign measure.

"This amendement is very enormously destructive," said Senator Diane Feinstein of California.

"If America is going to become an arrogant nation, this is a good way to begin," she added.

Congressional observers gave the amendment little chance of passage.

SPACE.WIRE