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President Bush to Visit Flood Areas Today Posted 19 June 2008 President Bush is expected to be in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area, and other flooded and storm damaged areas today, Thursday, June 19, for an aerial inspection of last week's flood devastation and to discuss the multibillion-dollar cleanup that lies ahead for communities in a major share of the state, according to a White House spokesman yesterday. Details of the visit  have not been announced, but preliminary plans call for an aerial tour and then a visit to Iowa City on the ground, as well as a media briefing, according to the White House press office.   The president will be accompanied by Iowa Gov. Chet Culver. Twenty-nine of Iowa's 99 counties are under a presidential disaster declaration after what is being called the worst natural disaster in Iowa history.   The White House is asking Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency disaster aid for the flood-ravaged Midwest. Congressional aides say lawmakers on Capitol Hill are likely to add money to the president's request, which has been transmitted informally to Capitol Hill. The administration proposed giving most of the money to the government's main disaster relief fund, with additional help going to farmers and small businesses. A dozen senators in both parties are pressing to add money for levee repair and help for displaced homeowners, among other relief needs. The flood aid was to be added to a long-stalled Iraq funding bill and lawmakers hope for a House vote today, Thursday.

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