    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 12, 2004]
    [Pages 860-861]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting a
    Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Amendment To Establish a Contingent Emergency
    Reserve Fund To Support Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
    May 12, 2004

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed FY 2005 budget amendment
    to establish a $25 billion contingent emergency reserve fund to support
    operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
        Although we do not know the precise costs for operations next year,
    developments on the ground in Iraq indicate the need to plan for
    contingencies. We plan to pursue a full FY 2005 supplemental request
    when we can better estimate precise costs. In the meantime, this reserve
    fund will ensure that our men and women in uniform continue to have the
    resources they need when they need them.
        I have pledged to our troops that they will have all the resources
    they need to accomplish this vital mission, and I urge the Congress to
    approve this reserve fund.
        The details of this proposal are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
            Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

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