    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 22, 2007]
    [Pages 1367-1368]
    [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 2008 Supplemental Appropriations for Ongoing
    Military and Intelligence Operations and Selected Other International
    Activities
    October 22, 2007

    Dear Madam Speaker:
        I ask the Congress to consider the enclosed amendments to my FY 2008
    Budgetrequest that will provide additional resources for ongoing
    military and intelligence operations in support of Operation

    [[Page 1368]]

    Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and selected other
    international activities. These funds will support U.S. efforts to
    improve stability in these regions. This request is also consistent with
    the assessments provided by General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan
    Crocker last month and my Iraq Benchmark Assessment Report, as it
    contains funds to maintain the current pace of operations into FY 2008
    and takes into account plans to redeploy five Army brigades by next
    summer, should conditions on the ground permit.
        This request includes funds to improve the protection of our forces
    by procuring additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, which
    have proved highly effective in countering improvised explosive devices.
    It also supports pre-deployment training for ground forces; supports the
    repair, replacement, or supplement of equipment worn out or lost in
    military operations; upgrades equipment based on lessons learned to
    date; replenishes depleted prepositioned stocks; and fills shortages in
    non-deployed units caused by the creation of equipment pools in theater.
        In addition, it helps support our military and their families by
    funding a range of needed services. For example, the request funds the
    development of a sustainable medical and rehabilitation system to
    properly care for our wounded warriors. The request also funds enhanced
    support for servicemembers and their families to mitigate the effect of
    repeated and continued deployments of the all-volunteer force.
        These amendments include funding for urgent and unanticipated
    international programs, including support for extraordinary security and
    operating costs associated with U.S. diplomatic activity in Iraq and
    Afghanistan, for assistance to internally displaced persons in Iraq and
    Iraqi refugees, and to help create political and economic stability in
    Afghanistan.
        I hereby designate the specific proposals in the amounts requested
    herein as emergency requirements. This request represents urgent and
    essential requirements and I encourage you to take up this FY 2008
    funding as soon as possible. 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