    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 24, 2002]
    [Page 884]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Appropriations
    Legislation
    May 24, 2002

        The House did a great service today for our men and women in uniform
    fighting the war against terror, for homeland security, and for fiscal
    discipline. The House also showed our enemies that America is united and
    determined to fight and win this war on our terms.
        A combination of recession and the need to spend what it takes to
    win the war have put the Federal budget into deficit. As we do what is
    necessary to prevail in the war and protect our homeland, the Congress
    must restrain other Government spending so we can return to a balanced
    budget soon.
        The House has shown that a responsible budget can be enacted, and
    the Senate should follow suit. I expect the Senate to only spend on what
    is necessary to fight the war and for our immediate emergency needs.
    With our Nation now at war, now is not the time for unnecessary spending
    on lower priority items.
        The House bill is a successful model for budget and spending bills:
    Fund our most basic priorities without increasing the deficit or
    undermining our efforts to return to a balanced budget. I am especially
    grateful to Speaker Hastert and Chairman
    Young for their leadership, and to all
    the Members of Congress who voted for this package.