    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 17, 2003]
    [Page 1335]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Passage of the Supplemental Funding Request
    To Support the War on Terror
    October 17, 2003

        I applaud the House and Senate for passing my supplemental funding
    request to support our mission and our troops deployed in Afghanistan,
    Iraq, and elsewhere. These funds will provide the resources necessary to
    make Iraq more secure and support its transition to self-government,
    which is critical to winning the war on terror. They will also continue
    our efforts to help build an Afghanistan that is prosperous, democratic,
    and at peace, and that contributes to regional stability.
        I commend the House for wisely rejecting a proposal to convert part
    of the reconstruction funds to loans. It is unfortunate that a closely
    divided Senate voted to partially substitute loans for grants. Loans are
    the wrong approach--they would slow the reconstruction of Iraq, delay
    the democratic process, and send the wrong message to both the region
    and the world. The loan provision must be removed in conference.
        I thank Chairmen Stevens and Young for their efforts and urge the conference committee
    to work to resolve their differences, fully fund my request, and send me
    legislation I can sign quickly.