    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [February 14, 2005]
    [Page 230]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting a
    Request for Fiscal Year 2005 Supplemental Appropriations for Ongoing
    Military and Intelligence Operations and Selected Other International
    Activities
    February 14, 2005

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        Today, I am submitting a request for fiscal year 2005 supplemental
    appropriations of $81.9 billion for ongoing military and intelligence
    operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring
    Freedom, and selected other international activities, including tsunami
    relief and reconstruction. This request reflects urgent and essential
    requirements. I ask the Congress to appropriate the funds as requested
    and promptly send the bill to me for signature.
        These funds will support U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition partners as
    we advance democracy, fight the insurgency, and train and equip Iraqi
    security forces so that they can defend their sovereignty and freedom.
    In Afghanistan, our Armed Forces continue to track down terrorists, help
    the Afghan people rebuild their country, and train and equip Afghan
    security forces so that Afghanistan, too, may continue to take control
    of its democratic future.
        My request will provide funds needed to repair, refurbish, and
    procure equipment needed by the Armed Forces to win the War on Terror.
    In addition, this request will fund the Army's Modularity plan to
    restructure three brigades deploying to Iraq.
        Finally, this request will assist the Palestinians as they build a
    democratic state, will provide relief for the humanitarian crisis in
    Darfur, and will support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
    efforts in countries devastated by the recent Indian Ocean tsunami.
        I hereby designate the specific proposals in the amounts requested
    herein as emergency requirements. I urge the Congress not to attach to
    this proposal items that are not directly related to these emergencies
    abroad. The details of the request are set forth in the enclosed letter
    from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush