By JANELLE CARTER
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - New York Gov. George Pataki lobbied members of Congress on Thursday for an additional $34 billion in aid to help his state rebuild from the terrorist attacks.

"New York's recovery is America's recovery," Pataki said.

The money is part of a $54 billion "Rebuild NY-Renew America" package that Pataki floated before House and Senate leaders. Days after the Sept. 11 attacks, Congress passed $20 billion in aid for New York.

"This wasn't an attack on New York, it was an attack on America that took place in New York," he said. "We're confident that America now realizes we're all in this together, and New York's recovery is America's recovery."

Pataki's plan asks for $34 billion for demolition costs, debris removal and rebuilding public infrastructure like roads, tunnels and subways. Another $20 billion would go to economic recovery and revitalization.

The reaction of Congress' fiscal conservatives is unclear. Lawmakers already have doled out more than $50 billion to help with recovery efforts and boost the sagging airline industry. Even more money is expected to be spent in coming days on an economic stimulus package: President Bush has proposed a plan of about $75 billion, and lawmakers are grappling with annual spending bills to keep government operating and the increased costs of combating terrorism.

"The needs of New York can't wait until next February," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. But he admitted: "There are many, many needs cascading from across the country. It's going to be hard."

But Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt of Missouri said, "America will take care of its people. And New York needs help; will get the help. We are going to do that."