[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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