That is an interesting question. What is the number and date of the bill? The legislative history would probably be the best source to try and determine that, i.e., the debates on the bill. It sounds more like there was an issue over what amounted to "just compensation." Also, the number of claiments may have increased once hostilities were over necessitating a greaterr allocation of funds.

However, this whole discussion reminds me a bit of the Prefect of Police in Casablanca being "Shocked! Shocked to find there is gambling going on in here." Even if it was a "bribe", it wouldn't be the first or last example of logrolling to get things done in Washington.