[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 7 (Monday, February 20, 2006)]
[Pages 261-262]
[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 2006 Supplemental Appropriations for Ongoing 
Military and Intelligence Operations and Selected Other International 
Activities

February 16, 2006

Dear Mr. Speaker:

    Today, I am submitting a request for Fiscal Year 2006 supplemental 
appropriations of $72.4 billion for ongoing military and intelligence 
operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring 
Freedom, and selected other international activities. These funds 
support U.S. Armed Forces and Coalition partners as we advance 
democracy, fight the terrorists and insurgents, and train and equip 
Iraqi security forces so that they can defend their sovereignty and 
freedom. Already more than 35 Iraqi battalions have assumed control of 
their own areas of responsibility. This request provides the resources 
necessary to continue that effort so the Coalition can continue to hand 
over control of more territory to Iraqi forces.
    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 may continue to take control of its 
democratic future. Our coalition has trained many thousands of Afghan 
soldiers and police. These forces are risking their lives to fight our 
common enemy. This request provides the resources necessary to continue 
the train and equip effort so Afghan forces can eventually provide for 
the security of their own citizens.
    The request includes funds to confront the threat from Improvised 
Explosive Devices and to improve the protection of our forces. In 
addition, the request addresses the need for substantial investment to 
repair or replace equipment worn out or lost in military operations. It 
also provides additional funding to cover the costs of restructuring the 
Army and Marine Corps into more agile, self-sustaining units that 
provide increased combat effectiveness critical to winning the Global 
War on Terror.
    The request includes bonuses and incentive pay to properly 
compensate American troops for the sacrifices they make in defense of 
freedom. It also includes funds to cover enhanced benefits for survivors 
of all military members and provides for newly authorized benefits for 
those injured in combat.
    The request also provides funds for the extraordinary security and 
operating costs associated with supporting U.S. diplomatic activity in 
Iraq and Afghanistan.
    The request includes funds to help create political and economic 
stability in post-conflict areas, help Iraqis protect and sustain their 
infrastructure, and build Iraqi capacity at the national and provincial 
levels for better, more responsive, and transparent governance. The 
request also supports the successful Commander's Emergency Response 
program that enables military commanders to respond to urgent, small-
scale, humanitarian relief and reconstruction needs in their area of 
responsibility. These counter-insurgency and stabilization activities 
help build civilian capabilities to ensure the transition to greater 
Iraqi self-reliance. Coupling increased civilian capacity with increased 
military capacity is essential to sustained progress in all realms--
security, political, and economic--and is essential to neutralizing the 
insurgents and defeating the terrorists.
    Finally, the supplemental requests funds for urgent, unanticipated 
needs to help relieve human suffering associated with a number of 
humanitarian crises, including Sudan and other parts of Africa, 
assistance for refugees, and the costs of humanitarian relief and 
reconstruction efforts in response to the devastating earthquake in 
Pakistan. The request also includes funding to address urgent democracy-
promotion activities in Iran.
    I hereby designate the specific proposals in the amounts requested 
herein as emergency requirements. 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. 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

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