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

[MeekOneGOP]

:^D

[potlatch]

Goodnight Meek, good to 'see' you.

[anglian]

Fatal Attraction: The Relationship Between Islamic Fanatics and American Left http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1776500/posts

[scratcher]

"Pres. George Bush stands strong once again for the troops and the Republic."

Ditto!

[PhilDragoo]

I just wish that Dubya had a little bit of Lincoln in him and would call these traitors what they are !!!!

Hear, hear.

I would wish, too, that he would put their traitor asses in jail for the duration as Lincoln did with "Peace" Democrats.

Iran is killing our people and just took fifteen Brits prisoner.

Peace, peace--but there is no peace.

The war has already begun--without the Quisling Congress' declaration.

[PhilDragoo]

Just do it!

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Still at it, huh?

[ClancyJ]

Well thank you. I react to what I see in a post since I often don't have time to read the whole thread.

I am just sick of our supposed people always attacking Bush and never the democrats. Seems a major waste of effort if you ask me.

Glad to hear you are not one of them. We need fighters not whiners.

[jrooney]

I could not have said it better. Thank you.

[ohioWfan]

You're welcome. Things have gotten out of hand around here.

Someone has called these people "Donner Party Conservatives"

It fits, doesn't it?

And President Bush is their victim.......

[ohioWfan]

Defending the honor of the fine man who for a season only occupies the Oval Office should never end, Extremist.

I'm glad that there are some of us who are 'still at it' as the rest of the crowd runs and hides......

[Tx Angel]

No, those are your choices.

I did not "attack" our POTUS. I attacked one of his policies -- or lack thereof.

I voted for Georgie Bush. I believed he was the best man for the job then and still do. But that does not make him perfect. IMO, they are all liars and cheats. I mean, who are these people representing? Not I.

Instead of worshipping crooked politicians, I'd rather my heroes be those fighting for my freedom. What little freedom is left. But those on Capital Hill have tied the hands of our bravest. This war could have been over in a Hollywood minute. And as you have a loved one fighting in the sandbox, I'd think you'd be just a tad pyssed off, as well.

How can his fatally flawed Immigration policy be best for our Country? How can anyone believe that? Especially in a time of war?

CanAmeriMexico is coming. Believe that. And Europe is already lost.

The days of John wayne are over. It's really sad.

[ohioWfan]

I voted for Georgie Bush.

You're such a phony.

Go back to DU, or your isolationist cult, or wherever you came from.

And don't bother me again. I'm a conservative, and a decent person, so we have nothing in common.

[ohioWfan]

Oh, but one more thing before I go.............you said he didn't care about our safety.

That's not just attacking a policy. That's attacking HIM.

If you really admired John Wayne (btw, he was a movie guy, not a real guy, in case you were unaware of that....), then you wouldn't be afraid to stand by what you said.

John Wayne types don't lie or cower. Neither does George W. Bush.

Unfortunately you do.

[Tx Angel]

No, you are an ill informed person who thinks that healthy debate is to call people names.

Get a grip. Better yet, put down the kool aid read a book.

[Salvation]

**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.**

You tell 'em, W!!

[ohioWfan]

Get a grip. Better yet, put down the kool aid read a book.

Oh, now THAT was a clever comeback.

I am cut to the quick and may never recover.

Now back to my John Wayne movie.......

[ohioWfan]

Perhaps you should read a book on English grammar........

[potlatch]

  "Dave, putcher hand down or I'll point atcha"

 

[Tx Angel]

Oh shut up already. Don't you have anything better to do?

We've both voiced our opinions. We do not agree. Fine. Whatever.
Now let it go.