Bush Vetoes Iraq Funding Bill

President Follows Through On Promise, Will Meet With Congressional Leaders Wednesday

(CBS/AP)  President Bush vetoed legislation to pull U.S. troops out of Iraq Tuesday night in a historic showdown with Congress over whether the unpopular and costly war should end or escalate.

In only the second veto of his presidency, Mr. Bush rejected legislation pushed by Democratic leaders that would require the first U.S. combat troops to be withdrawn from Iraq by Oct. 1 with a goal of a complete pullout six months later.

"This is a prescription for chaos and confusion and we must not impose it on our troops," Bush said in a nationally broadcast statement from the White House. He said the bill would "mandate a rigid and artificial deadline" for troop pullouts, and "it makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing."

Democrats made a last-minute plea for Mr. Bush to sign the bill, knowing their request would be ignored. "The president has put our troops in the middle of a civil war," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. "Reality on the ground proves what we all know: A change of course is needed."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation "respects the wishes of the American people to end the Iraq war."

A Senate Democrat says they've pushed their demand for troop deadlines as far as they can, reports CBS News chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod. Democrats know they don't have the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto.

Lacking the votes to override the president, Democratic leaders quietly considered what might be included or kept out of their next version of the $124 billion spending bill. Mr. Bush will meet with congressional leaders — Democrats and Republicans alike — on Wednesday to discuss a new bill.

Mr. Bush said Democrats had made a political statement by passing anti-war legislation. "They've sent their message, and now it's time to put politics behind us and support our troops with the funds," the president said.

He said the need to act is urgent because without a war-funding bill, the armed forces will have to consider cutting back on buying or repairing equipment.

"Our troops and their families deserve better, and their elected leaders can do better," Mr. Bush said.

He vetoed the bill immediately upon his return to the White House from a visit to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., the headquarters of U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, including Iraq.

Earlier on Tuesday, Democratic congressional leaders sent Mr. Bush legislation setting timetables for U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq. The move came on the fourth anniversary of Mr. Bush's "Mission Accomplished" speech on the war.

The Democratic leaders staged a special ceremony to send the legislation — already approved by both the House and Senate — on its way to the White House.

On Wednesday, Mr. Bush is to meet at the White House with congressional leaders from both parties, including Reid, D-Nev., and Pelosi, D-Calif., to begin discussing follow-up spending legislation.

"This legislation honors the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform," Pelosi said at the ceremony in the Capitol. She said that provisions of the measure respect "the wishes of the American people to end the Iraq war."

Said Reid: "After more than four years of a failed policy, it's time for Iraq to take responsibility for its own future. Today, right now, we renew our call to President Bush: There is still time to listen. There is still time to sign this bill and change course in Iraq."

Some Republicans say they would support tying benchmarks to the more than $5 billion provided to Iraq in foreign aid, but nothing that would tie the hands of military commanders. It's not clear whether the White House is open to this approach, either. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said over the weekend that Mr. Bush would not sign a bill containing any penalties for the Iraqi government.

"House Republicans will oppose any bill that includes provisions that undermine our troops and their mission, whether it's benchmarks for failure, arbitrary readiness standards or a timetable for American surrender," said Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

[pepperp1]

How else would he be able to continue to rob the American Tax payer blind, 500 Billion and climbing? 100 American Soldiers counted, dead this month.

[randalds]

Every time I see his face or hear him speak I'm embarrassed as an American. The "man" is such a complete and utter as*shole and jerk. He is a clown on the world stage and all Americans should be ashamed that we have such a moron as president. Beyond that he is also now a mass murderer. Evey soldier that died in the early part of the war died because of his arrogance and stupidity. Every one that die from now until this chimp leaves office is dying to protect his ego so the end (that he KNOWS is coming) doesn't happen on his watch. he is not just the worst president ever, he is in fact the single worst thing of any kind that has ever happened to our nation.

[frankly6]

Bush and his GOP lackeys own this failed war and their fortunes falls as the situation in Iraq spirals downward.

[infidel_us]

Yep......wonder why the dems put that all so important mimimum wage bill in a known veto? Can anyone say, "political posturing?" How does it feel being a pawn in the political game?

[infidel_us]

he is in fact the single worst thing of any kind that has ever happened to our nation.
Posted by RandalDS at 12:56 PM : May 01, 2007

Right after Jimmah Carter. I felt/feel the same way about him.

[pepperp1]

Let's not continue to allow the Republican Base off the hook here, they continue to enable their party leaders in continuing this failed strategy and have not demanded any course change, only Senator Hagle has the courgae to call this war the pig it is.

[randalds]

Right after Jimmah Carter. I felt/feel the same way about him.
Posted by Infidel_US at 01:00 PM : May 01, 2007

Nope, he a lot worse the Jimmy ever was. Jimmy's problem was that he is too honest, too good of a man, to be an effective president because he wouldn't stoop to the backroom deals the job requires sometimes. Bush's problem is that he's just the opposite. He won't tell the truth if a lie will do.

[perception5]

Mr. President, VETO this bill from our Dem controlled 110th DO-NOTHING CONGRESS.

DO-NOTHING CONGRESS, take out the surrender dates and the $20 billion in farm pork that you added to bribe the two Senators from Nebraska Hagel and Nelson and RESUBMIT.

Dems STOP playing politics with EVERY issue in America today.

If you want to be productive............PASS the minimum wage bill that the poor people have been WAITING for.
Fix Social Security
Fix Medicare
Address the immgration issue..........................PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!

[mudrose-2009]

How else would he be able to continue to rob the American Tax payer blind, 500 Billion and climbing? 100 American Soldiers counted, dead this month.
Posted by pepperp1

I suppose it doesn't bother you that our GIs are also dying in Afghanistan. But that's where the real war is being fought.

[fonic8gw]

...soon our Iraqui brothers will walk the path of democracy, led by the guiding light of The Decider. Plus, as an added bonus, ALL evil-doers will be exterminated. Everything will be ok, no worries. Progress in this conflict is evident, as the reports from the Pentagon keep pouring in. Terrorism, as well as the war against drugs, will be a thing of the past. Count on it....

[mudrose-2009]

Nope, he a lot worse the Jimmy ever was. Jimmy's problem was that he is too honest, too good of a man, to be an effective president because he wouldn't stoop to the backroom deals the job requires sometimes. Bush's problem is that he's just the opposite. He won't tell the truth if a lie will do.
Posted by RandalDS

Jimmy Carter is a bigot and if it wasn't for Jimmah practically rendering our military defunct which Demos love to do. They hate the military - don't like us defending ourself - maybe, maybe Iran wouldn't be a threat to the region that it is today. Jimmah, hates Israel, and fostered the take down of the Shah of Iran and didn't do so good a job of rescuing the hostages that the mullahs caputured from our Embassy. Why we have Jimmah to thank for the reign of the mullahs and radical Shia islamofacists. Good job peanut head.

[perception5]

If Americans want to see our corrupt liberal MSM wolfpack at work this story saids and shows it all.

CBS (Corrupt Broadcasing Station) uses the photo from the carrier that had the "Mission Accomplished" banner and then uses a quote from a Senator that made a million dollars profit on land he onced owned but not when it was sold, strange.

We Americans can be sure that our liberal wolfpack and their pals the Dems are snickering and laughing at the "mission accomplished" joke.

[forthepeopl1]

HEY MUDA/S/S, BUSH,ROVE,RUMSFELD,AND THE COURT JESTER,D/I/C/K/ CHENEY,AND QUEEN FRIED RICE.

WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR TREASON.

WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR MURDERING THOUSANDS OF TROOPS.

WE THE PEOPLE ARE READY FOR ANOTHER REVOLUTION..

AND ITS NOT THE SOUTH VS NORTH..ITS AMERICA VS WHITEHOUSE...

AND I THINK WE HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF WINNING..

[mudrose-2009]

WE THE PEOPLE ARE READY FOR ANOTHER REVOLUTION..

AND ITS NOT THE SOUTH VS NORTH..ITS AMERICA VS WHITEHOUSE...

AND I THINK WE HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF WINNING..
Posted by forthepeopl1

Please lead the charge. Ooops now, don't trip over the flag.

[mudrose-2009]

We Americans can be sure that our liberal wolfpack and their pals the Dems are snickering and laughing at the "mission accomplished" joke.
Posted by perception5

Nah, they don't have a sense of humor. Did you catch Kaplan's article Congress Ignorant on Iraqi? It's written by a ring winger. Be careful now, they might be telling the truth.

[randalds]

Jimmy Carter is a bigot and if it wasn't for Jimmah practically rendering our military defunct which Demos love to do. They hate the military - don't like us defending ourself - maybe, maybe Iran wouldn't be a threat to the region that it is today. Jimmah, hates Israel, and fostered the take down of the Shah of Iran and didn't do so good a job of rescuing the hostages that the mullahs caputured from our Embassy. Why we have Jimmah to thank for the reign of the mullahs and radical Shia islamofacists. Good job peanut head.
Posted by mudrose at 01:13 PM : May 01, 2007

You've been practicing you kidder you! Even for you this is a pretty impressive load of sh*it! The way you weave the lies in with the complete garbage! Art is born! The RNC must have given you a raise! I hereby nominate you to the position of SENIOR troll in Charge! Congrats!

[forthepeopl1]

I AM A VET A/S/S WIPE. DONT WORRIE YOUR HEAD. I DO KNOW HOW TO USE MY WEAPON.

SO AGAIN- TELL ME WHAT SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY HAVE YOU DONE

[mudrose-2009]

You've been practicing you kidder you! Even for you this is a pretty impressive load of sh*it! The way you weave the lies in with the complete garbage! Art is born! The RNC must have given you a raise! I hereby nominate you to the position of SENIOR troll in Charge! Congrats!
Posted by RandalDS

You know, Rands, you have a real problem with originality. Everybody is in a conspiracy in your world. Everybody spins and nobody tells the truth but you. You must enjoy living in your mind.

[pepperp1]

What is wrong with the man, does he not understand by vetoing this bill and delaying the funding for our military, that he is hurting our troops and may be extending their stay from 15 months until January 09. I am disgusted by his decision this will only hurt our military and their families. We had 104 reported US soldiers killed in Iraq in April and the longer he delays their stays the more that are in harms way.

[mudrose-2009]

SO AGAIN- TELL ME WHAT SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY HAVE YOU DONE
Posted by forthepeopl1

I don't need to tell you where I've been or when I've served but you can be sure you were never on point or in a foxhole. And if you were you probably had to wear a diaper from the load that came out of you.

[jimibear]

Bush and his GOP lackeys own this failed war and their fortunes falls as the situation in Iraq spirals downward.


Posted by frankly6 at 12:57 PM : May 01, 2007
+ report abuse"

Half right, frankly. The really sick thing is that in fact their (financial) fortunes actually swell the longer the war goes on. Each time something is blown up, a contractor makes money to repair it. The longer the military is in the field, the longer the contractors who provide support make money. ($45 a 6-pack for Coke? What a bargain. At that price, Dumya will probably try to snort it.)

This whole business is the most cynical example ever seen of war profiteering, and Bush has managed to convince some of the most gullible people in history (our none-too-bright or well-informed American public) that it has something to do with ideaology, security or hell, even vengeange for 9/11. But there's no connection between Iraq and any of that. At long last, all but our stupidest 29% can see that.

It's making terror worse. Much worse. Even Israeli intelligence told us this, and they have every reason to want to see a war on terror won. I find it interesting that I have mentioned over and over again their findings that the Iraq war has generated 10,000 new recruits for Al Qaeda alone, and that world wide there are now 5 times as many terrorists, and no NeoCon has once, over a period of several months, responded to that point.

[forthepeopl1]

THIS COMMANDER AND S/H/I/T/ HEAD COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE TROOPS..HE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ANY OF THEM.. HE STILL GOING OUT PARTERING ALL OVER THE PLACE, AS COMMANDER AND CHIEF HE SHOULD GO TO ALL FUNERNALS..HE HAS BEEN TO NONE...

PLEASE MR PRESIDENT,VP D/I/C/K/ FRIED RICE,RUMSFELD,ROVE. GO AHEAD OF ME,PLEASE LEAD THE WAY, SHOW ME DOWN THE ROAD . OOPS I FORGOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE MINES. OH WELL. NEXT....

[jimibear]

"I don't need to tell you where I've been or when I've served but you can be sure you were never on point or in a foxhole. And if you were you probably had to wear a diaper from the load that came out of you.
Posted by mudrose at 01:31 PM : May 01, 2007
+ report abuse"

Typical NeoCoward bullying and lies. Say you dn't need to justify yourself (why?) then make up lies to attack and insult the other guy. Clearly, you have no admirable answer to the question posed.

Like all NeoCons, you are nothing better than a schoolyard bully in long pants. You really are a disgusting little creep.

[forthepeopl1]

HEY MUDA/S/S/ WE DO KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF ******* IN THE FIELD..THEY GO FIRST AND OOPS. I SLIP AND MY WEAPON WENT OFF...OH WELL SEND FOR ANOTHER CO. US NCOS KNOW HOW TO HADDLE ******* LIKE YOU...

[mudrose-2009]

Like all NeoCons, you are nothing better than a schoolyard bully in long pants. You really are a disgusting little creep.
Posted by jimibear

And as if I should justify my life to you as well. You are a little rat brain with no integrity - full of vitroil and bad bile and nothing to back you up but your big fat stupid mouth. Have a nice day dumbo.

[wdrussell1]

Hey jimibear, did you see the report this morning where the contractors owe the US 7.7 billion in back taxes.

[marcodele]

Bush vetos on the fourth anniversary of "Mission Accomplished."

More neocon hypocrisy. The real issues being resolvedin Iraq are the negotiations over oil reserves.

[freedomisnot]

Iraq war has generated 10,000 new recruits for Al Qaeda alone, and that world wide there are now 5 times as many terrorists, and no NeoCon has once, over a period of several months, responded to that point.

Posted by jimibear at 01:31 PM : May 01, 2007

The war is going great.Lots of targets and more coming in sight everyday. Send more bullets and bombs. We have them right were we want them surrounded from the inside.

[roger_inkart]

Trivia time! Who said the following:

#1 %u201CVictory means exit strategy, and it%u2019s important for the president to explain to us what the exit strategy is.%u201D

#2 %u201CI think it%u2019s also important for the president to lay out a timetable as to how long they will be involved and when they will be withdrawn.%u201D

Any guesses? Nancy Pelosi? John Murtha? Harry Reid? Some other person who wants to validate the terrorist's strategy?






...still wondering?






My, who could it be?






Quote #1 - George W. Bush, 4/9/99

Quote #2 - George W. Bush, 6/5/99

Yes, The Decider. In this case, he decides when to display the unspeakable hypocrisy that is the hallmark of his administration.

[mudrose-2009]

HEY MUDA/S/S/ WE DO KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF ******* IN THE FIELD..THEY GO FIRST AND OOPS. I SLIP AND MY WEAPON WENT OFF...OH WELL SEND FOR ANOTHER CO. US NCOS KNOW HOW TO HADDLE ******* LIKE YOU...
Posted by forthepeopl1

Anything you can do I can do better I can do anything better than you. Wanna **** a little further. You couldn't handle the trigger your were born with let alone ammo. They probably handed you blanks so you would think it was natural. Shoot, they'd tell you shoot, they enemy that is. Why don't you shoot that thar jimibear and maybe he can shoot you back. You are two of the fatest loud mouths on this blog.

[rafterman1]

I posted this in another thread, but it's ,ore appropriate here.

While browing MSNBC, I saw this interesting tidbit. This is for those that say the troop pullout is a "surrender date" or question Congress's authority to require the troops out. Apparently, there is precedence for the Democrat's actions this past month. How soon we forget.

In 1993, Sen. John McCain led an effort to cut off funds immediately for military operations in Somalia after a firefight in Mogadishu killed 18 U.S. troops. The former prisoner of war in Vietnam brought a hush to the chamber floor when he asked what would happen if Congress failed to act and more Americans died.

"On whose hands rest the blood of American troops? Ask yourself this question," said McCain, R-Ariz.

Congress ultimately agreed to back President Clinton's request to give him until March 1994 to get troops out, with funding denied after that date. In 1999, Congress passed similar legislation prohibiting money spent to keep U.S. troops in Haiti after May 2000.

[deadjester1]

screw it. this is getting ridiculous. congress should just cut off funding. cut the troops off completely. if the president wants to save them he will give the order to evacuate. if not they'll starve or run out of ammo. it really doesn't matter. we aren't changing anything for the better in iraq. we were the ones that allowed this mess with sectarian violence to happen. its time to cut our losses and split. if our losses end up including the remaining troops in country, thats all on bush. let them sort their own sh*t out. if democracy is meant to prevail in the iraq then they'll earn it themselves. if not something else will, but they'll be too distracted with reconstruction to come bother us.

[randalds]

SO AGAIN- TELL ME WHAT SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY HAVE YOU DONE
Posted by forthepeopl1

I don't need to tell you where I've been or when I've served but you can be sure you were never on point or in a foxhole. And if you were you probably had to wear a diaper from the load that came out of you.
Posted by mudrose at 01:31 PM : May 01, 2007

Translation: He hasn't served anywhere in any war.

[randalds]

You know, Rands, you have a real problem with originality. Everybody is in a conspiracy in your world. Everybody spins and nobody tells the truth but you. You must enjoy living in your mind.
Posted by mudrose at 01:27 PM : May 01, 2007

Awww!!! Mudrose doesn't like me! Da*mn, how can I hold my head up when the trolls don't like me here. (sniff...sniff) And I soooooo wanted the respect of the king of the trolls! I'm crushed!

[lars008-2009]

congress can%u2019t win a war%u2026%u2026. But they can sure lose one%u2026.. right demonic-rats%u2026.

Iraq pullout plan a rare wartime rebuke
The passage of the legislation in many ways surpasses congressional efforts to end the Vietnam War, a longer and far deadlier war for U.S. forces. Congress went years before it was able to agree on legislation significantly challenging presidential war policy, holding some 94 roll call votes on the war between 1966 and 1972, according to data provided by the Senate Historian office.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070501/ap_on_go_co/congress_wars
In sum, Congress played a very important role in building opposition to an unpopular and failed Cold War intervention. Legislators emerged as major voices of skepticism, criticism, and outright opposition to Vietnam. They checked the hawks in the administration who refused to believe the facts on the ground. Congress was ultimately pivotal to placing pressure on the Nixon administration
http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=12438

[freedomisnot]

In 1993, Sen. John McCain led an effort to cut off funds immediately for military operations in Somalia after a firefight in Mogadishu killed 18 U.S.

Yea I remember that one when CNN stormed the beach ahead of the troops.....
That was a clusterfuk from the getgo bad intelligence,rules of engagement and leadership.
We should have shelled Mogadishu out of existance then walked ashore to claim victory.

[mudrose-2009]

screw it. this is getting ridiculous. congress should just cut off funding. cut the troops off completely. if the president wants to save them he will give the order to evacuate
Posted by deadjester1

I don't agree, but that's the point. We don't have 435 presidents, only one, whether we like it or not. They could cut off the funding, but they won't. They like political grandstanding. They don't want the country to accuse them of cutting the funding because they don't want to ruin their chances in the upcoming election. This is just wait and bait --

[infidel_us]

We should have shelled Mogadishu out of existance then walked ashore to claim victory.
Posted by freedomisnot at 01:51 PM : May 01, 2007

You forget who was CockinChief at the time :)

[mudrose-2009]

Awww!!! Mudrose doesn't like me! Da*mn, how can I hold my head up when the trolls don't like me here. (sniff...sniff) And I soooooo wanted the respect of the king of the trolls! I'm crushed!
Posted by RandalDS

Rands you, like your buddies are too full of yourselves - since you have all the answers then why bother to converse. You are legends in your own mind. Enjoy your stay.

[infidel_us]

Translation: He hasn't served anywhere in any war.
Posted by RandalDS at 01:47 PM : May 01, 2007

Does that disqualify him from having a comment? Is that the new lib "mating call?" If you never served, you can't have anything to say??

[freedomisnot]

You forget who was CockinChief at the time :)
Posted by Infidel_US at 01:53 PM : May 01, 2007

You mean CockinMonicaMouth in Chief it's hard to get worked up for a fight right after a bj.Those eyelids get heavy and all in the world seems right.

[rafterman1]

===That was a clusterfuk from the getgo bad intelligence,rules of engagement and leadership===

Yes, just like now with the Bush administration and Iraq. Although I would also add "no exit strategy" (or any strategy really) to Iraq.

[mudrose-2009]

We should have shelled Mogadishu out of existance then walked ashore to claim victory.
Posted by freedomisnot at 01:51 PM : May 01, 2007

You forget who was CockinChief at the time :)
Posted by Infidel_US

Demos don't like the military. They do all they can to be sure the military is not properly funded. They will not defend this country because they believe all incursions are police actions to refer to the U.N. They have no concept of what country means. They don't give a pissazz about the troops, just their control of the country so they can turn this place into a free flowing free for all. No borders, no security.

[roger_inkart]

You forget who was CockinChief at the time :)
Posted by Infidel_US at 01:53 PM : May 01, 2007

You forget the partisan GOPers in congress who showered him with abuse for the action in the first place. The Republicans were more interested in scoring political points then dealing with the problem. They still are.

Typical right-wing hypocrisy.

[rsoxfan1123]

"They do all they can to be sure the military is not properly funded."
Posted by mudrose at 01:59 PM : May 01, 2007

Same old paid RNC troll obfuscation tactics aka lying. Bush is cutting funding if he vetoes, the dems approved the money. Congress's timeline and bench marks, as you well know, are identical to those recommended by the BIPARTISAN Iraq study group.

[rafterman1]

===You forget the partisan GOPers in congress who showered him with abuse for the action in the first place.===

Yes, it's amazing that you have to presidents and two congress's doing essentially the same thing, yet seeing two entirely different results.

[lars008-2009]

there goes another country straight to hell under the satanic cult fascist nazi islam....

Will Turkey become an Islamist state?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178020745039&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Turkish court halts Gul presidency
http://www.guardian.co.uk/turkey/story/0,,2069983,00.html

[perception5]

Mr. President, VETO this bill from our Dem controlled 110th DO-NOTHING CONGRESS.

DO-NOTHING CONGRESS, take out the surrender dates and the $20 billion in farm pork that you added to bribe the two Senators from Nebraska Hagel and Nelson and RESUBMIT.

Dems STOP playing politics with EVERY issue in America today.

If you want to be productive............PASS the minimum wage bill that the poor people have been WAITING for.
Fix Social Security
Fix Medicare
Address the immgration issue..........................PLEASE DO SOMETHING "constructive vs. the usual destructive."......................... really sad indeed

[sagan77]

Wow! A lot of angry Republican's here.
Must suck being a loser after 7 years.

[rafterman1]

===Demos don't like the military.===

Yes, we Dems really hate the military so much that we are trying to bring them out of harm's way over a lost cause. Wow, what hatred. I wish the Dems hated us that much during the first Gulf War. I could have been home watching it on TV.