Criticising the Democrats for getting the Iraq war spending bill passed, Bush said he would veto the bill when it comes to him for assent.
WASHINGTON: Criticising the Democrats for getting the Iraq war spending bill passed in the House of Representatives by a slender margin, US President George W Bush on Saturday said that he would veto the bill when it comes to him for assent.
"A narrow majority in the House of Representatives decided on Friday to make a political statement. The emergency war spending bill they voted for would cut the number of troops below the level our military commanders say they need to accomplish the mission," Bush said in his weekly radio address today.
"It would set an artificial time table for withdrawal that would allow the enemy to wait us out. And it would require an army of lawyers to meet the conditions imposed by politicians in Washington who are substituting their own judgment for that of our generals in Iraq."
"I have made it clear that I will veto any such bill, and it is clear that my veto would be sustained," Bush warned law makers.
"To get the votes they needed to pass the bill, the Democrats who control the House also included billions of dollars in domestic and pork barrel spending for local congressional districts. This spending includes things like $74 million for peanut storage and a host of other spending items that have nothing to do with the war. Even with all this extra spending tacked on, the vote was very close. This means the Democrats do not have enough votes to override my veto" the President said.
"By choosing to make a political statement and passing a bill they know will never become law, the Democrats in Congress have only delayed the delivery of the vital funds and resources our troops need."
"The clock is running, members of Congress need to put our troops first, not politics. They need to send me a clean bill, without conditions, without restrictions, and without pork," Bush said.
The President used the address to reiterate his support for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales who is currently under fire on Capitol Hill for the sacking of eight US Attorneys.
"The position of US Attorney is one of the most important jobs in the Justice Department. US Attorneys are appointed by the President, and they play a leading role in prosecuting crime and protecting the public," he said.
"I strongly support the Attorney General in this decision. I also appreciate the hard work and service of the US Attorneys who resigned. And I regret that their resignations have turned into a public spectacle," he said.
Gonzales and the White House have been slammed for their participation in the firings of the Attorneys by the Justice Department; and the Attorney General is under criticism as he had earlier denied of having any involvement with the matter.
Subsequent e-mails released by the Justice Department shown that Gonzales participated in at least one meeting discussing the fate of the Attorneys who were later sacked.
The House and the Senate have authorised the issuing of subpoenas to White House aides including the President's top advisors, but the subpoenas have not been actually served.
The White House has repeatedly said that it would only agree to an interview of Presidential aides, not under oath and without provision for a transcript.
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