    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 1, 2007]
    [Pages 515-516]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the House of Representatives Returning Without Approval the
    ``U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq
    Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007''
    May 1, 2007

    To the House of Representatives:
        I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1591, the ``U.S.
    Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq
    Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007.''
        This legislation is objectionable because it would set an arbitrary
    date for beginning the withdrawal of American troops without regard to
    conditions on the ground; it would micromanage the commanders in the
    field by restricting their ability to direct the fight in Iraq; and it
    contains billions of dollars of spending and other provisions completely
    unrelated to the war.
        Precipitous withdrawal from Iraq is not a plan to bring peace to the
    region or to make our people safer here at home. The mandated withdrawal
    in this bill could embolden our enemies--and confirm their belief that
    America will not stand behind its commitments. It could lead to a safe
    haven in Iraq for terrorism that could be used to attack America and
    freedom-loving people around the world, and is likely to unleash chaos
    in Iraq that could spread across the region. Ultimately, a precipitous
    withdrawal could increase the probability that American troops would
    have to one day return to Iraq--to confront an even more dangerous
    enemy.
        The micromanagement in this legislation is unacceptable because it
    would create a series of requirements that do not provide the
    flexibility needed to conduct the war. It would constrict how and where
    our Armed Forces could engage the enemy and defend the national
    interest, and would provide confusing guidance on which of our enemies
    the military could engage. The result would be a marked advantage for
    our enemies and greater danger for our troops, as well as an
    unprecedented interference with the judgments of those who are charged
    with commanding the military.
        Beyond its direction of the operation of the war, the legislation is
    also unacceptable for including billions of dollars in spending and
    other provisions that are unrelated to the war, are not an emergency, or
    are not justified. The Congress should not use an emergency war
    supplemental to add billions in spending to avoid its own rules for
    budget discipline and the normal budget process. War supplemental
    funding bills should remain focused on the war and the needs of our men
    and women in uniform who are risking their lives to defend our freedoms
    and preserve our Nation's security.
        Finally, this legislation is unconstitutional because it purports to
    direct the conduct of the operations of the war in a way that infringes
    upon the powers vested in the Presidency by the Constitution, including
    as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. For these reasons, I must
    veto this bill.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     May 1, 2007.

    Note: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    May 2.

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