[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 10 (Monday, March 8, 2004)]
[Page 317]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Further Deployment of United 
States Military Forces in Haiti

March 2, 2004

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    In my report to the Congress of February 25, 2004, I provided 
information on the deployment of combat-equipped U.S. Armed Forces to 
Haiti. I am providing this additional report, consistent with the War 
Powers Resolution, to help ensure that the Congress is kept fully 
informed on U.S. military activities in Haiti.
    On February 29, 2004, approximately 200 additional U.S. combat-
equipped, military personnel from the U.S. Joint Forces Command deployed 
to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to secure key facilities, to facilitate the 
continued repatriation of Haitian migrants, to help create conditions in 
the capital for the anticipated arrival of the Multinational Interim 
Force, to protect American citizens as may be required, and for other 
purposes consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1529 
(2004). I anticipate additional combat-equipped military personnel will 
be deployed to Haiti until the situation in Haiti stabilizes. The forces 
that the United States deployed and continues to deploy will be part of 
the Multinational Interim Force.
    The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 
1529 on February 29, 2004. It authorized the deployment of a 
Multinational Interim Force to contribute to a more secure and more 
stable environment in the Haitian capital and elsewhere, to facilitate 
the provision of humanitarian assistance and the access of humanitarian 
aid workers to the Haitian people, and for other purposes.
    It is anticipated U.S. forces will redeploy when the Multinational 
Interim Force has transitioned to a follow-on United Nations 
stabilization force.
    I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to 
conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief 
Executive. I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the 
Congress informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution.
     Sincerely,
                                                George W. Bush

Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Ted Stevens, President pro tempore of the 
Senate.