Here is PROOF that Bush made the statement before the attack; he even reiterates in his own statement that he made this comment several times. If you even bothered to read the press conference (which was recorded verbatim), he did not appear to be "thrown" by the question at all; this was a PAT answer. Moreover, if this was such an issue (considering the budget battle prior to 9-11), why didn't the press jump on it then? I'll tell you why...these are REASONABLE exceptions and the press HAD heard it before.
If this bothers you so much, start doing your own homework and find out the truth on yourself instead of accepting someone else's report on another person's article as gospel. If you're so concerned about the truth, DIG FOR IT.