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

[Bernard Marx]

The Democrats are so drunk with power, now they get to have their first serious hangover.

They're drunk with power all right but this is a carefully calculated political move. They know Bush will veto any bill like that. They also know their propaganda machine, the MSM, will pound their message of Republicans-as-warmongers until the 2008 elections. The veto will be used as proof and I predict the electorate will be conditioned by their Big Lies to vote for Democrats.

Liberals may be noxious, hateful, anti-American and despicable in every way, but they are never politically stupid. They understand dirt-level politics at least 1000 times better than Republicans and have the cojones to pull the trigger when we don't. No lie is too great for them.

[furquhart]

Possibly because this bill contains more in earmarks, I suspect, than any other bill in the history of the United States.

$24 Billion in earmarks. The total for all of the "pork" cited last year was around the same.

[From One - Many]

what would you like for it to mean?
LOL

[USMCWife6869]

::sigh:: Our representative (Delahunt) voted yea.

My husband will be disappointed. Don't think the guys out there don't see what the stupid Democrats are doing. I saw that line about the troop and family disruptions. I'm curious as to what else the Dems would like from my family. Jerk-offs.

[jrooney]

Today had nothing to do with our terrible immigration problem unless you did not notice. Attacking the president at this point only helps Pelosi and Reid. Maybe that is what you want. Give your enemy the assistance they need to destroy the GOP.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Wow, I read about it... impressive! Pray for our president!

[pollyannaish]

I'm not exactly sure which game you're playing here...but it's pretty transparent. And nuts.

[Mrs.Liberty]

"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. "

Stick to your guns, Mr. President.

[You Dirty Rats]

Liberals may be noxious, hateful, anti-American and despicable in every way, but they are never politically stupid.

Then please explain the 1984 nomination of Fritz Mon-Dull.

[#1CTYankee]

Thanks!

[carton253]

Well, you did. So, why not just 'fess up.

[gpapa]

“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,” he said. “This is not going to happen.” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17750825/

[pollyannaish]

Nothing. I'm just curious as to what point you are making on what topic I'm assuming it is some sort of pun/derivative of e plurbus unum?

[HamiltonJay]

No, recognizing a bad move doesn't help the dems... The veto was a good move, and to a certain extent blaming "pork" MAY prevent dems from trying again, as they had to bribe big time pork barrel stuff to bring the blue dogs big time to sign on to this ghastly bill.

Unfortunately though, by evening mentioning Pork as a reason, the Pres has set himself up for more criticism, because up until this bill he hasn't met a pork barrel he's hasn't liked.

Pointing out a possible political mistep is an honest assessment of the situation, and it is only through honest assesment of situations can any progress be made. Blind following does no good.

[agincourt1415]

Day 01 of United States Troops Held Hostage by Democrat Moonbats in Congress!

[NY.SS-Bar9]

Yet, today, a narrow majority in the House of Representatives advocated its responsibility

advocated or abdicated?

Am I missing something here?

[SJSAMPLE]

I hope he can find the pen ;)

[bd476]

You are welcome.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Thanks, I read up on it here and WOW!!

[carton253]

The President has not lost his spine - ever.