WHITE HOUSE (AP) -- President Bush is thanking members of Congress from both parties for sending him a bill to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 162 billion-dollar plan funds operations through the end of his presidency and beyond.

Bush signed it in an Oval Office ceremony this morning, saying it "shows the American people that even in an election year, Republicans and Democrats can come together." He said the nation "has no greater responsibility than to support" its troops and their families.

According to congressional officials, the legislation brings the total Congress has provided for the Iraq war to more than 650 billion dollars, while operations in Afghanistan have totaled nearly 200 billion.

The package signed today also doubles GI Bill college benefits for troops and veterans. It also includes a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits, 2.7 billion dollars in flood relief for the Midwest and many other items.