    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [November 13, 2007]
    [Pages 1468-1469]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2008
    November 13, 2007

        Today, I have signed into law H.R. 3222, the ``Department of Defense
    Appropriations Act, 2008.'' The Act appropriates funds needed to support
    the U.S. Armed Forces as they protect the United States and the American
    people and advance United States interests around the globe.
        The Act contains certain provisions identical to those found in
    prior bills passed by the Congress that might be construed to be
    inconsistent with my Constitutional responsibilities (sections 8005,
    8009, 8012(b), 8034(b), 8052, 8082, 8085, 8089, 8091, and 8116, and the
    provision concerning consolidation under the heading ``Operation and
    Maintenance, Defense Wide''). To avoid such potential infirmities, I
    will interpret and construe such provisions in the same manner as I have
    previously stated in regard to those provisions.
        The Act also continues through December 14, 2007, funding for
    Government programs for which the Congress has not yet passed regular
    appropriations acts. However, the Act does not provide funds needed to
    support members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed for combat in Iraq and
    Afghanistan, and I expect and urge the Congress to promptly present
    separate legislation to meet that urgent funding need.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     November 13, 2007.

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