[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 13 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Pages 358-359]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia

March 25, 2003

    Thank you all. Please be seated. Well, good morning. Thanks for 
coming. I've just met with our leaders here at the Pentagon, who are 
monitoring the course of our battle to free Iraq and rid that country of 
weapons of mass destruction. Our coalition is on a steady advance. We're 
making good progress.
    We're fighting an enemy that knows no rules of law, that will wear 
civilian uniforms, that is willing to kill in order to continue the 
reign of fear of Saddam Hussein. But we're fighting with bravery and 
courage.
    We cannot know the duration of this war. Yet we know its outcome. We 
will prevail. The Iraqi regime will be disarmed. The Iraqi regime will 
be ended. The Iraqi people will be free. And our world will be more 
secure and peaceful.
    The people of our military and their families are showing great 
courage, and some have suffered great loss. America is grateful to all 
those who have sacrificed in our cause.
    Our coalition is strong. It's bound together by the principle of 
protecting not only this Nation but all nations from a brutal regime 
that is armed with weapons that could kill thousands of innocent people. 
America has more than 200,000 men and women engaged in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom.
    Our troops also continue to fight bravely in other fronts of this 
war on terror. In Afghanistan last week, coalition forces launched 
Operation Valiant Strike against terrorists and their allies in the 
southern mountains of Afghanistan. Of course, we have troops standing 
watch in other parts of the world to protect and maintain the peace. All 
the members of the military, abroad, at home, or here in this important 
building, are bound together by a great cause, to defend the American 
people and advance the universal hope of freedom.
    America has accepted this responsibility. We also accept the cost of 
supporting our military and the missions we give it. Today I'm sending 
the Congress a wartime supplemental appropriations request of $74.7 
billion, to fund needs directly arising from the Iraqi conflict and our 
global war against terror. My request to Congress will pay for the 
massive task of transporting a fully equipped military force, both 
active duty and reserve, to a region halfway around the world.
    This money will cover the current cost of fueling our ships and 
aircraft and tanks and of airlifting tons of supplies into the theater 
of operations. The supplemental will also allow us to replace the high-
tech munitions we are now directing against Saddam Hussein's regime.
    My request includes funds for relief and reconstruction in a free 
Iraq. This Nation and our coalition partners are committed to making 
sure that the Iraqi citizens who have suffered under a brutal tyrant 
have got the food and medicine needed as soon as possible.
    Tommy Franks briefed us this morning about coalition efforts to 
demine the harbors--the harbor--to make sure that our humanitarian 
relief can be delivered safely to the Iraqi people. Coalition forces are 
working hard to make sure that when the food and medicine begins to 
move, it does so in a safe way. And soon, the Iraqi people will see the 
great compassion of not only the United States but other nations around 
the world who care deeply about the human condition inside that country.
    Our campaign in Iraq involves assistance of coalition partners and 
friends in the Middle East. The funding request to Congress will help 
reduce the economic burdens these countries have experienced in 
supporting our efforts. Also included are funds essential to waging and 
helping our partners wage the broader war on terror, which continues in 
Afghanistan, in the Philippines, and elsewhere.
    We continue to fight the war on terror by protecting our homeland. 
At the Federal level, I'm requesting more resources for the Departments 
of Justice and Homeland Security, to deal with this period of 
uncertainty. We'll provide resources for patrolling and safeguarding our 
borders, funds to help the

[[Page 359]]

FBI investigate domestic threats in this time of war, additional funding 
for the Coast Guard for port security in the United States and in the 
Middle East.
    In this time of heightened security, we are expecting States and 
communities to take on greater responsibilities to protect critical 
infrastructure. And so I'm seeking additional resources to help States 
and cities make these preparations for the protection of our citizens.
    Yesterday I informed the leaders of Congress of these spending 
requests. The situation in any war is fluid. I reminded them of that 
fact, and so I'm asking Congress for flexibility in how these funds can 
be allocated. They heard that message. They also heard the message that 
the need is urgent. The wartime supplemental is directly related to 
winning this war and to securing the peace that will follow this war. I 
ask Congress to act quickly and responsibly.
    One thing is for certain: Business as usual on Capitol Hill can't go 
on during this time of war. And by that I mean the supplemental should 
not be viewed as an opportunity to add spending that is unrelated, 
unwise, and unnecessary. Every dollar we spend must serve the interest 
of our Nation, and the interest of our Nation in this supplemental is to 
win this war and to be able to keep the peace.
    Eighteen months ago, this building came under attack. From that day 
to this, we have been engaged in a new kind of war, and we are winning. 
We will not leave our future to be decided by terrorist groups or 
terrorist regimes. At every turn in this conflict, Americans can be 
confident in the people who wear our Nation's uniform. We support them. 
We are thankful for their service in places of great danger, in this 
hour of great need.
    May God continue to look out after those who defend the peace and 
freedom. And may God continue to bless America. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 10:30 a.m. in the Eisenhower Dining Room. 
In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; and 
Gen. Tommy R. Franks, USA, combatant commander, U.S. Central Command. 
The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of these remarks.