    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 5, 2004]
    [Pages 776-777]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Announcing a Request to Congress for the Establishment of a
    Contingency Reserve Fund
    May 5, 2004

        This morning, Secretary Rumsfeld and
    I discussed recommendations from our commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan
    about additional resources that they may require.
        While we do not know the precise costs for operations next year,
    recent developments on the ground and increased demands on our troops
    indicate the need to plan for contingencies. We must make sure there is
    no disruption in funding and resources for our troops.
        I am requesting that Congress establish a $25 billion contingency
    reserve fund for the coming fiscal year to meet all commitments to our
    troops and to make sure we succeed in these critical fronts in the war
    on terror. As my administration has previously said, we will pursue a
    full FY 2005 supplemental request when we can better estimate precise
    costs.
        Our troops in Iraq are performing superbly in their efforts to help
    the Iraqi people realize a free and peaceful future. I have pledged to
    our troops that they will have all the resources they need to get the
    job done, and I look forward to working with Congress on this high
    priority.

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