It was not until 1988, after many had died, that Congress authorized a formal apology and payment for each living victim.

"Any other charges, I'll authorize payment by my bank," she said.

"Current law does not explicitly authorize such payments," the administration's budget summary said.

The new law authorizes extra payments and subsidies for such plans, which Congress assumed would cost $14 billion over 10 years.

In the 18th century, warrants were used by the military to authorize payments to soldiers and suppliers.

Many credit-card companies, for example, will not authorize payments to gambling sites.

A lawyer familiar with the dispute said he believed the partners previously had authorized payment.

"I can't authorize payment until this has been evaluated and authenticated."

He could not authorize payment through his own account without revealing his presence.

Top A document which authorizes payment through reference to necessary supporting documentation.