Germany's lower house of parliament is debating Thursday a $7 billion plan to rebuild areas devastated by recent floods.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has proposed raising most of the money by delaying an income tax cut planned for next year.
The opposition Christian Democrats, led by Mr. Schroeder's conservative challenger in next month's elections, Edmund Stoiber, have raised objections to the plan. But they are not expected to block the flood recovery bill.
Mr. Schroeder's strong handling of the flood crisis has given his social Democrats a major boost in public opinion polls.