Bush Vetoes Bill Setting Iraq Troop Withdrawal

President Bush, as expected, has vetoed a supplemental spending bill that sets a non-binding timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

In a nationally televised address following his veto of H.R. 1591, the $124 billion emergency supplemental spending bill for fiscal year 2007, President Bush stated, "It makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing. All the terrorists would have to do is mark their calendars and gather their strength -- and begin plotting how to overthrow the government and take control of the country of Iraq."

"Setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure -- and that would be irresponsible," said Bush.

President Bush also contended that the imposition of conditions for a troop withdrawal would make it more difficult for U.S. military commanders in Iraq to continue to wage the war. "American commanders in the middle of a combat zone would have to take fighting directions from politicians 6,000 miles away in Washington, D.C.," he said. "This is a prescription for chaos and confusion, and we must not impose it on our troops."

Today's veto comes exactly four years since President Bush's May 1, 2003, declaration of the end of "major combat" in Iraq. More than 3,300 U.S. troops have died fighting insurgents and terrorists in Iraq since then.

Lacking the two-thirds majority vote necessary to override a presidential veto, Congress is expected to work with the White House to develop a compromise spending bill setting a series of benchmarks to be met by the Iraqi government in taking over security in their nation.

Bush's veto of H.R. 1591 was only the second of his presidency. In July 2006, he vetoed a bill authorizing federal support for research using stem cells derived from excess human embryos.

Also See:
Can Congress End the Iraq War?
Presidential Vetoes and Congressional Overrides
Iraq War Results & Statistics as of April 18, 2007 (Liberal Politics)