Bush calls attacks 'acts of war'

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush on Wednesday condemned terrorist attacks in New York and Washington as "acts of war," and said he would ask Congress for money for recovery and to protect the nation's security.

"This will be a monumental struggle of good versus evil. But good will prevail," the president said. He said the nation was prepared to spend "whatever it takes."

Bush spoke as administration officials said evidence in Tuesday's fearsome attacks pointed to suspected terrorist Osama bind Laden.

Bush spoke as Congress returned to the Capitol and federal agencies reopened their doors for the first time since Tuesday's parallel attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon across the Potomac River from the nation's capital.

Bush, in the Oval Office shortly after sunrise, invited senior lawmakers to the White House for a national display of unity.