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.

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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

[HamiltonJay]

I'm not giving Talking Points to dems, I'm pointing out what the talking points are going to be.... as you damned well know Fox News is not going to be the news most are going to be getting.

Simply put Bush made a mistake even using the term pork, he's given the MSM/Dems fodder for the next few news cycles instead of owning them.

[ohioWfan]

If you don't want to fight, why do you deride my frustration at DU-like attacks on the President by so-called conservatives?

I understand that you don't want to 'fight' (though it was you who 'picked' it, in case your memory is really short) since you most likely have no response to the truth of my statements. If I had picked a fight and then had no argument to defend myself with, I would probably want out too.

I will, however, leave you alone, your condescension, and fight-provoking crack about aspirin notwithstanding.

I have made my point.

[HamiltonJay]

You are wearing rose colored glasses if you think for one minute that's how it will be portrayed in the MSM.

[Laverne]

I sent an email to one of the pubbies who voted for this travesty and gave him a piece of my mind. I tried to send one to the other pubbie, but his email won't accept emails from americans outside of his district.

These two republicans need to be shunned and taken out of the party. Everyone should call them on Monday and tell them to switch parties or resign, that we don't want cowards and treasonous bast..ds in our party.

What happened today is the United States Congress, with the democrats in the majority, sided with Al Queda. I haven't watched any news since this vote was taken, but I expect that the media is glowing all over them, telling us what a leader Queen Nancy is.

Whoever coined the phrase enemedia had it exactly correct. Today, the democrats in congress voted for OBL's success in the War on Terror. Is it treason? Sure sounds like it to me.

I hope this backfires on them, it should. They are a disgrace to the nation.

[no-to-illegals]

I will, however, leave you alone, your condescension, and fight-provoking crack about aspirin notwithstanding.

I have made my point.

Thank you.....BTW I'm having to laugh at your comment on the asprin....LOL...Thank You for the laugh also.....

[ohioWfan]

Good. Next time you want to 'end' the fight you started, leave out the aspirin part. :)

[no-to-illegals]

Are you allergic to aspirin?

[bray]

The Surge is Working!

Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters

[Miss Marple]

According to the Levin thread, ABC led with the veto threat and made NO mention about the pork.

[Fledermaus]

When the weasels and DNC puppets in the MSM peddle the talking point of "Bush vetoing the bill shows lack of support for the troops" (and you know they will) they need to be massivly emailed and called explaining to them how they are tools and should "f-off".

[Tx Angel]

Talk about a joke. Do you really believe anyone in DC gives a rats ass about our safety? If so -- why the porous borders? Are not our borders the first line of defense?

It's kind of like getting a ticket for no seatbelt while driving a Hummer and watching a slew of bikers fly by w/out helmets. Don't for one minute believe it's about safety. It's all about the money.

So for having an opinion, I go from "Bushbot" to "Bushbasher" all in one day. I must be a magnificent biatch -- the female Karl Rove.

I still believe there is a reason these people spend millions of dollars for a job that pays $240k/year. And I don't believe it's about getting their names in the history books, either.

I don't trust a damn one of them. Don't like my opinion? Form one of your own. But don't attack me for not being deluded into thinking even one of the talking heads on Capital Hill care about anything other than the almighty dollar.

[no-to-illegals]

Good idea....

[ohioWfan]

No. I just don't need it.

Being angry at traitors, trolls and fools doesn't mean you need medical intervention.

And telling me to take it indicated a complete lack of respect for the position that many, many, MANY freepers are in right now.

That is feeling shame and anger that so many so-called conservatives have abandoned and are attacking our Commander in Chief while we are at war.

It is especially hurtful to people like me who have a son in the military......a veteran of Iraqi Freedom who will be deployed again within the year.

This is a time to rally, not retreat.

[James W. Fannin]

Now if he'll do this when the next AWB comes his way, we'll be set.

[ohioWfan]

I'm just addressing your blatant hypocrisy Ms Angel. It's not that I don't 'like' your opinion. It's just that you have two of them that are polar opposites.

You attack the President, and then you say you aren't attacking him.

Just attack and then admit that's what you are doing. That's all you had to do. Be honest about it.

btw, your opinion that he doesn't care about our safety can only by supported if you think he is a liar and without honor. Is that what you think?

Because if you believe that in any way he is an honorable man, you would admit that his immigration policy, though fatally flawed IMO, is what he believes is best for the country. If he is deliberately putting this country in danger because he doesn't care about our safety, he is a despicable human being.

I'm afraid those are your choices.....

[no-to-illegals]

I too am hurting from the lack of will by the politicians to fund our military during a time of war. BTW thank you for your son's service to this nation.

In any event, having an opinion shouldn't be a dis-qualifier. There are more politicians than just the demonrats, I disagree with. I am sick of the laws of this nation not being enforced, I am sick of the UN, I am sick of politicians telling me it is raining while that politicians is peeing on my leg....but hey I'll shut up now and go take an aspirin myself and hope I didn't offend you.....Good Day!

[ohioWfan]

No. Not a bit. In fact, I agree with pretty much everything you said.

(btw, our less than admirable R Senator from Ohio got a call of warning from this household today to support our troops. Felt good :).

[Stultis]

See Also (includes link to full transcript of Gates' media rountable from Thursday):

Funding impasse could extend combat tour (consequences of no supplemental, per Gates) ^

Posted by Stultis On News/Activism ^ 03/23/2007 6:58:01 PM CDT · 1 reply · 11+ views Stars & Stripes ^ | 24 March 2007 | Leo Shane III Funding impasse could extend combat tour By Leo Shane III, Stars and StripesMideast edition, Saturday, March 24, 2007 WASHINGTON — Lengthy delays in finalizing supplemental war funding could force Army leaders to extend some soldiers’ tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.Army officials are planning cutbacks in home-station training, cuts in repair of predeployment training equipment and delays in upgrades to barracks and family facilities at stations worldwide if the president’s $94 billion supplemental request isn’t approved by Congress by April 15, Gates said at a media roundtable.If the funding impasse stretches past May 15, he...

[no-to-illegals]

I hope America and the American people rally....
We have reached a critical moment in history....IMHO
The media is about to spin, spin, spin, and lie, lie, lie, as always.
Again, Thank your son for all of us.
America and America's military deserve better from our elected in congress...Let us pray better....comes to be the norm.

[ohioWfan]

Amen!

And I will thank my son. He can't wait to get back! Thank you for thanking him. :)