[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 7 (Monday, February 21, 2005)]
[Page 237]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting a 
Request for Fiscal Year 2005 Supplemental Appropriations for Ongoing 
Military and Intelligence Operations and Selected Other International 
Activities

February 14, 2005

Dear Mr. Speaker:

    Today, I am submitting a request for fiscal year 2005 supplemental 
appropriations of $81.9 billion for ongoing military and intelligence 
operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring 
Freedom, and selected other international activities, including tsunami 
relief and reconstruction. This request reflects urgent and essential 
requirements. I ask the Congress to appropriate the funds as requested 
and promptly send the bill to me for signature.
    These funds will support U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition partners as 
we advance democracy, fight the insurgency, and train and equip Iraqi 
security forces so that they can defend their sovereignty and freedom. 
In Afghanistan, our Armed Forces continue to track down terrorists, help 
the Afghan people rebuild their country, and train and equip Afghan 
security forces so that Afghanistan, too, may continue to take control 
of its democratic future.
    My request will provide funds needed to repair, refurbish, and 
procure equipment needed by the Armed Forces to win the War on Terror. 
In addition, this request will fund the Army's Modularity plan to 
restructure three brigades deploying to Iraq.
    Finally, this request will assist the Palestinians as they build a 
democratic state, will provide relief for the humanitarian crisis in 
Darfur, and will support relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction 
efforts in countries devastated by the recent Indian Ocean tsunami.
    I hereby designate the specific proposals in the amounts requested 
herein as emergency requirements. I urge the Congress not to attach to 
this proposal items that are not directly related to these emergencies 
abroad. 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