President's Remarks: Iraq War Emergency Supplemental(Responds to Congress' Betrayal Live Thread)

White House ^ | March 23, 2007

[bd476]

Live now, President Bush is making a strong response.

---

Updated:

Remarks by the President on the Iraq War Emergency Supplemental



REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE IRAQ WAR EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL

Diplomatic Reception Room
2:00 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Today I'm joined here at the White House by veterans, family members of people serving in combat, family members of those who have sacrificed. I am honored that they have joined me here today.

Here in Washington, members of both parties recognize that our most solemn responsibility is to support our troops in the war on terror. Yet, today, a narrow majority in the House of Representatives abdictated its responsibility by passing a war spending bill that has no chance of becoming law, and brings us no closer to getting our troops the resources they need to do their job.

The purpose of the emergency war spending bill I requested was to provide our troops with vital funding. Instead, Democrats in the House, in an act of political theater, voted to substitute their judgment for that of our military commanders on the ground in Iraq. They set rigid restrictions that will require an army of lawyers to interpret. They set an arbitrary date for withdrawal without regard for conditions on the ground. And they tacked on billions for pet projects that have nothing to do with winning the war on terror. This bill has too much pork, too many conditions and an artificial timetable for withdrawal.

As I have made clear for weeks, I will veto it if it comes to my desk. And because the vote in the House was so close, it is clear that my veto would be sustained. Today's action in the House does only one thing: it delays the delivering of vital resources for our troops. A narrow majority has decided to take this course, just as General Petraeus and his troops are carrying out a new strategy to help the Iraqis secure their capital city.

Amid the real challenges in Iraq, we're beginning to see some signs of progress. Yet, to score political points, the Democratic majority in the House has shown it is willing to undermine the gains our troops are making on the ground.

Democrats want to make clear that they oppose the war in Iraq. They have made their point. For some, that is not enough. These Democrats believe that the longer they can delay funding for our troops, the more likely they are to force me to accept restrictions on our commanders, an artificial timetable for withdrawal, and their pet spending projects. This is not going to happen. Our men and women in uniform need these emergency war funds. The Secretary of Defense has warned that if Congress does not approve the emergency funding for our troops by April the 15th, our men and women in uniform will face significant disruptions, and so would their families.

The Democrats have sent their message, now it's time to send their money. This is an important moment -- a decision for the new leaders in Congress. Our men in women in uniform should not have to worry that politicians in Washington will deny them the funds and the flexibility they need to win. Congress needs to send me a clean bill that I can sign without delay. I expect Congress to do its duty and to fund our troops, and so do the American people -- and so do the good men and women standing with me here today.

Thank you for your time.

END 2:04 P.M. EDT

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE IRAQ WAR EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL

[HardStarboard]

Thanks Ernest...

>>>"Gathering of Eagles"<<<

Thanks...now I understand the connection in Claire's post.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

HJ, the thing to remember here is that the Dems promised to be different if elected to power in 1006. Remember the election was about how Republicans spent money irresponsibly. By pointing out that the Dems are just as bad if not worse, the President is forcing the media to report on how much pork they were ready to foist on the public. As the Wall Street Journal says, "But... but I thought the Dems were going to be different!" The media won't report it so the President is forcing them to say it!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

1006=2006. Sheesh!

[mwl1]

Yes, the RATS are placating their base with this noxious political theatre, but they are skating on thin ice. If they continue down this path toward a veto showdown, the RATS will reacquire the "soft on national security" tag, which means suicide for their freshmen and for their majority.

[jackv]

They seem to be ignoring the fact that the approval rating for congress is 28!! That was BEFORE this debacle!!

[Wolfstar]

Yes, you sure did take a shot at the President. A cheap shot at a time when he most neees our support. Nice to see you reveal your true cowardly self. Can't even stand by your own posts.

[highlander_UW]

Bin Laden is counting on the democrats...and they're falling over themselves trying to not disappoint him.

[BJClinton]

Or 14 who are facing re-election in 2008

[Tulsa Ramjet]

Now, if Bush would just go to the tarmac to meet the Iranian president on the red carpet and reach out towards the Nutjob's head and slap a 'cuff on him and say:
"Welcome to America you stupid SOB!"...and then punch him in the throat.
Then I would say "Go Bush"!

[bd476]

Thanks for updating this.

[jveritas]

Amen JR

[carton253]

I knew what you meant. :)

[righteousindignation]

brilliant!!

[From One - Many]

not worthy of a response..... but there you have one....

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

:) Thanks.

[gpapa]

When I see the pork removed from the bill I will believe it. I would also like to see more vetoes of other bills loaded with pork from now on. Bush has basically taken a pass on the issue of excessive spending for 6 years. It has to stop now or 2008 will look much like 2006 in congressional races.

[carton253]

What law has the President of Iran broken? Just for clarification.

[USMCWife6869]

I know this is serious. My husband is out there. I am more afraid of my own Representative than of the terrorists. At least the terrorists are clear in their hatred for our culture, and we know why they hate us. With the Democrats, I don't understand why they would do this to their own countrymen.

It's bad enough having your husband at war. Having him at war and having to watch the Democrats gloat about their traitorous ways, all the while praying they don't leave him out there twisting in the wind by the while they posture, it's almost unbearable.

[colorado tanker]

Finally, the President seems to be growing a backbone.

[jetson]

Where does Nancy Pelosi get off saying Bush is vetoing the will of the people. Man is she and her dingbat libs out in left field.