    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [February 16, 2006]
    [Pages 263-264]
    [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 2006 Supplemental Appropriations for Ongoing
    Military and Intelligence Operations and Selected Other International
    Activities
    February 16, 2006

    Dear Mr. Speaker:
        Today, I am submitting a request for Fiscal Year 2006 supplemental
    appropriations of $72.4 billion for ongoing military and intelligence
    operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring
    Freedom, and selected other international activities. These funds
    support U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition partners as we advance
    democracy, fight the terrorists and insurgents, and train and equip
    Iraqi security forces so that they can defend their sovereignty and
    freedom. Already more than 35 Iraqi battalions have assumed control of
    their own areas of responsibility. This request provides the resources
    necessary to continue that effort so the Coalition can continue to hand
    over control of more territory to Iraqi forces.
        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 may continue to take control of its
    democratic future. Our coalition has trained many thousands of Afghan
    soldiers and police. These forces are risking their lives to fight our
    common enemy. This request provides the resources necessary to continue
    the train and equip effort so Afghan forces can eventually provide for
    the security of their own citizens.

        The request includes funds to confront the threat from Improvised
    Explosive Devices and to improve the protection of our forces. In
    addition, the request addresses the need for substantial investment to
    repair or replace equipment worn out or lost in military operations. It
    also provides additional funding to cover the costs of restructuring the
    Army and Marine Corps into more agile, self-sustaining units that
    provide increased combat effectiveness critical to winning the Global
    War on Terror.

        The request includes bonuses and incentive pay to properly
    compensate American troops for the sacrifices they make in defense of
    freedom. It also includes funds to cover enhanced benefits for survivors
    of all military members and provides for newly authorized benefits for
    those injured in combat.

        The request also provides funds for the extraordinary security and
    operating costs associated with supporting U.S. diplomatic activity in
    Iraq and Afghanistan.

    [[Page 264]]

        The request includes funds to help create political and economic
    stability in post-conflict areas, help Iraqis protect and sustain their
    infrastructure, and build Iraqi capacity at the national and provincial
    levels for better, more responsive, and transparent governance. The
    request also supports the successful Commander's Emergency Response
    program that enables military commanders to respond to urgent, small-
    scale, humanitarian relief and reconstruction needs in their area of
    responsibility. These counter-insurgency and stabilization activities
    help build civilian capabilities to ensure the transition to greater
    Iraqi self-reliance. Coupling increased civilian capacity with increased
    military capacity is essential to sustained progress in all realms--
    security, political, and economic--and is essential to neutralizing the
    insurgents and defeating the terrorists.
        Finally, the supplemental requests funds for urgent, unanticipated
    needs to help relieve human suffering associated with a number of
    humanitarian crises, including Sudan and other parts of Africa,
    assistance for refugees, and the costs of humanitarian relief and
    reconstruction efforts in response to the devastating earthquake in
    Pakistan. The request also includes funding to address urgent democracy-
    promotion activities in Iran.
        I hereby designate the specific proposals in the amounts requested
    herein as emergency requirements. 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. 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