Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.
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 abdicated 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.
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Comments on The President Speaks On Neo-Copperhead Appropriations Bill
Odd to see so many uniforms used as props at a solely political event. IOKIYAAR.
|| Posted by Dan, March 23, 2007 09:46 PM ||The Commander-in-Chief speaking on a matter of military readiness during time of war is a political event?
Well, then, I suppose that makes the vote by the DemocratICK majority to be nothing but politics as usual, not an act designed to foster national security. Thank you for the concession that you folks are glad to surrender to the enemy for what you see as your own political advantage.
|| Posted by Rhymes With Right, March 23, 2007 09:56 PM ||RWR,
Whoa, come back to the sane side of the fence. I know you're under a lot of pressure, but, really, don't give up quite yet.
The president bashing the democrats and lining up the military behind him as he announces a veto is NOT a political event?
Do you honestly think that?
I mean, when you're sober and sitting quietly, and the froth has been wiped from your mouth, and your breathing is steady, do you honestly think that Bush's appearance was not a political event?
Really?
|| Posted by Dan, March 24, 2007 02:48 PM ||Well, the President and the US Military do take an oath to defend the US from all enemies, foreign AND DOMESTIC. This seems to have fallen well-within the scope of the latter part of that duty.
You would have hated Lincoln, too.
|| Posted by Rhymes With Right, March 24, 2007 06:55 PM ||So now you're claiming that Bush is calling out the troops on his political enemies? When did you become so comfortable with fascism?
|| Posted by Dan, March 24, 2007 08:41 PM ||No, not what I said at all -- there is a difference between speaking out against the domestic enemies of the United States and sending troops after them.
But thank you for confirming for me that you believe Lincoln was a fascist. Always knew you would have supported the Copperheads in the 1860s, just like you do the Neo-Copperheads today.
|| Posted by Rhymes With Right, March 24, 2007 09:04 PM ||Funny, funny BS. Yes, yes, of course I said that Lincoln was a fascist . . .
I think Lincoln was okay, but his party sure has gone down hill . . .
|| Posted by Dan, March 25, 2007 03:05 PM ||Actually, you did indicate you believe Lincoln was a fascist.
He sent the military to arrest political opponents.
He exiled at least one from the US.
He shut down opposition newspapers.
He held enemy combatants without trial, and promulgated rules permitting the execution of some without access to the federal courts.
It is therefore safe to say that if you consider Bush a fascist for having a couple of soldiers stand behind him while denouncing the actions of domestic enemies like the House Democrats, that you must view Lincoln to be an even greater fascist.
Unless, of course, you want to admit that you were simply engaged in partisan hyperbole spurred by your pathological hatred of George W. Bush.
|| Posted by Rhymes With Right, March 25, 2007 03:21 PM ||You're a deeply confused or sadly ignorant person to confuse a political philosophy with a tactic. You should read more.
And I don't hate Bush. I hope he gets a fair trial.
|| Posted by Dan, March 26, 2007 08:42 PM ||Unlike you, I am a patriot who loves his country more than he loves his party. The fact that Wilson did those things was despicable, and the Democratic party's historical racism was as well.
|| Posted by Dan, March 27, 2007 05:57 AM ||Country before party for me, Dan, which is why I oppose those who have historically sold out American values at every turn and who today give aid and comfort tot he enemies of America for purely partisan advantage -- The Democrat Party.
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