[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 4 (Monday, January 31, 2005)]
[Page 83]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Supplemental Budget Request

January 25, 2005

    When we decided to protect America from a gathering threat by 
removing Saddam Hussein from power, I made two fundamental pledges: 
First, our troops will have whatever they need to protect themselves and 
complete their mission; and second, the United States will stand with 
the Iraqi people and against the terrorists trying desperately to block 
democracy and the advance of human rights.
    This supplemental budget request will fulfill these important 
pledges and again makes clear to terrorists that our resolve is firm and 
we will complete our mission.
    Most of these funds will support American troops on the ground by 
continuing to provide them with the equipment and other supplies they 
need. The request also provides for the continued pursuit of Al Qaida 
and other terrorist elements in Afghanistan and elsewhere, while 
supporting the great progress Afghanistan has made toward joining the 
community of free nations. And resources are included to accelerate 
efforts to train and equip Iraqi and Afghan forces so they can assume 
greater responsibility for their own security.
    The supplemental also includes funding for other important 
priorities of American foreign policy, such as helping the Palestinian 
people build a democratic state, improving the economic and humanitarian 
situation of the Palestinian people, and bridging differences between 
Israelis and Palestinians.
    I am grateful that Congress, in a strong bipartisan fashion, has 
consistently voted to support our troops, and I urge it to do so again.

Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
version of this statement.