    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 12 (Monday, March 26, 2007)]
    [Pages 365-366]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on House of Representatives Passage of Emergency Supplemental
    Appropriations

    March 23, 2007

        Today I'm joined here at the White House by veterans, family members
    of people serving in combat, family members of those who have
    sacrificed. I am honored that they have joined me here today.
        Here in Washington, members of both parties recognize that our most
    solemn responsibility is to support our troops in the war on terror. Yet
    today a narrow majority in the House of Representatives abdicated its
    responsibility by passing a war spending

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    bill that has no chance of becoming law and brings us no closer to
    getting our troops the resources they need to do their job.
        The purpose of the emergency war spending bill I requested was to
    provide our troops with vital funding. Instead, Democrats in the House,
    in an act of political theater, voted to substitute their judgment for
    that of our military commanders on the ground in Iraq. They set rigid
    restrictions that will require an army of lawyers to interpret. They set
    an arbitrary date for withdrawal without regard for conditions on the
    ground. And they tacked on billions for pet projects that have nothing
    to do with winning the war on terror. This bill has too much pork, too
    many conditions, and an artificial timetable for withdrawal.
        As I have made clear for weeks, I will veto it if it comes to my
    desk. And because the vote in the House was so close, it is clear that
    my veto would be sustained. Today's action in the House does only one
    thing: It delays the delivery of vital resources for our troops. A
    narrow majority has decided to take this course, just as General
    Petraeus and his troops are carrying out a new strategy to help the
    Iraqis secure their capital city.
        Amid the real challenges in Iraq, we're beginning to see some signs
    of progress. Yet, to score political points, the Democratic majority in
    the House has shown it is willing to undermine the gains our troops are
    making on the ground.
        Democrats want to make clear that they oppose the war in Iraq. They
    have made their point. For some, that is not enough. These Democrats
    believe that the longer they can delay funding for our troops, the more
    likely they are to force me to accept restrictions on our commanders, an
    artificial timetable for withdrawal, and their pet spending projects.
    This is not going to happen. Our men and women in uniform need these
    emergency war funds. The Secretary of Defense has warned that if
    Congress does not approve the emergency funding for our troops by April
    the 15th, our men and women in uniform will face significant
    disruptions, and so would their families.
        The Democrats have sent their message; now it's time to send their
    money. This is an important moment--a decision for the new leaders in
    Congress. Our men in women in uniform should not have to worry that
    politicians in Washington will deny them the funds and the flexibility
    they need to win. Congress needs to send me a clean bill that I can sign
    without delay. I expect Congress to do its duty and to fund our troops,
    and so do the American people, and so do the good men and women standing
    with me here today.
        Thank you for your time.

    Note: The President spoke at 2 p.m. in the Diplomatic Reception Room at
    the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gen. David H. Petraeus,
    USA, commanding general, Multi-National Force--Iraq; and Secretary of
    Defense Robert M. Gates. He also referred to H.R. 1591.