Directors of the National 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York are looking overseas for funding, in the absence of any cash currently being forthcoming from Congress.

The $700m (£444, €527) museum and memorial plaza, which is nearing completion, is expected to have operating costs of $60m (£38, €28) a year.

Ninety countries lost citizens in the attack on the Twin Towers and to date officials have raised $15m (£9.5m, €11m) through visits to France, England and Ireland.

Senator, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, says the foundation needs federal assistance, but "until that days comes, our biggest responsibility to the public is to keep the museum open."

It is hoped that 60 per cent of the operating costs will be met by earned revenue and the rest will be made up of private donations.

The museum anticipates 2.5 million visitors a year. Admission will cost $20 (£12, €15), but it will be free at certain times during the week and for families of victims.