Text 4492, 74 rader
Skriven 2007-05-02 23:30:52 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0705021) for Wed, 2007 May 2
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Message to the House of Representatives
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 2, 2007

Message to the House of Representatives

˙˙White House News


May 1, 2007

TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1591, the "U.S. Troop
Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability
Appropriations Act, 2007."

This legislation is objectionable because it would set an arbitrary date
for beginning the withdrawal of American troops without regard to
conditions on the ground; it would micromanage the commanders in the field
by restricting their ability to direct the fight in Iraq; and it contains
billions of dollars of spending and other provisions completely unrelated
to the war.

Precipitous withdrawal from Iraq is not a plan to bring peace to the region
or to make our people safer here at home. The mandated withdrawal in this
bill could embolden our enemies -- and confirm their belief that America
will not stand behind its commitments. It could lead to a safe haven in
Iraq for terrorism that could be used to attack America and freedom-loving
people around the world, and is likely to unleash chaos in Iraq that could
spread across the region. Ultimately, a precipitous withdrawal could
increase the probability that American troops would have to one day return
to Iraq -- to confront an even more dangerous enemy.

The micromanagement in this legislation is unacceptable because it would
create a series of requirements that do not provide the flexibility needed
to conduct the war. It would constrict how and where our Armed Forces could
engage the enemy and defend the national interest, and would provide
confusing guidance on which of our enemies the military could engage. The
result would be a marked advantage for our enemies and greater

danger for our troops, as well as an unprecedented interference with the
judgments of those who are charged with commanding the military.

Beyond its direction of the operation of the war, the legislation is also
unacceptable for including billions of dollars in spending and other
provisions that are unrelated to the war, are not an emergency, or are not
justified. The Congress should not use an emergency war supplemental to add
billions in spending to avoid its own rules for budget discipline and the
normal budget process. War supplemental funding bills should remain focused
on the war and the needs of our men and women in uniform who are risking
their lives to defend our freedoms and preserve our Nation's security.

Finally, this legislation is unconstitutional because it purports to direct
the conduct of the operations of the war in a way that infringes upon the
powers vested in the Presidency by the Constitution, including as Commander
in Chief of the Armed Forces. For these reasons, I must veto this bill.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

May 1, 2007.

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