    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 29, 2007]
    [Page 358]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With the House Republican Conference
    March 29, 2007

        I want to thank the Republican leadership and the Republican Members
    of Congress for coming down to have a very frank and open discussion
    about issues facing our country. Yesterday I gave a speech, making it
    clear that I'll veto a bill that restricts our commanders on the ground
    in Iraq, a bill that doesn't fund our troops, a bill that's got too much
    spending on it. I made that clear to the Members.
        We stand united in saying loud and clear that when we've got a troop
    in harm's way, we expect that troop to be fully funded; and we've got
    commanders making tough decisions on the ground, we expect there to be
    no strings on our commanders; and that we expect the Congress to be wise
    about how they spend the people's money.
        We spent time talking today about our strong belief that we've got
    to keep taxes low. And so we had a very productive session, a session of
    friends talking amongst friends, all aiming to put a strategy together
    of how we can work together to secure this Nation and keep it
    prosperous. And so I appreciate you all coming. You're welcome back at
    the White House any time you want to join us.
        Thank you very much. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:28 a.m. on the North Portico at the
    White House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.