Blog Post
PRESIDENT BUSH:"Congress needs to start by passing a bill to fund our troops in combat." [12/3/07]
FACT:
Democrats are hard at work on a sweeping new energy policy, tax relief for middle-class Americans, and bringing our troops home from Iraq. As always, we will accomplish our goals in a bipartisan and fiscally responsible way.
In January, the President announced the so-called troop "surge" to give Iraq's government the "breathing space" to achieve political reconciliation. Eleven months later, Iraqi politicians have failed by every measure to make the necessary political progress.
World AIDS Day gives us an opportunity each year to assess the progress we have made together in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to consider what more we can do to help alleviate poverty and disease at home and in the developing world."Earlier this month, Congress approved nearly a half trillion dollars for the Department of Defense. Just two weeks ago, House Democrats passed $50 billion in additional funding for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have provided every penny that is currently necessary to fund Defense Department operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world.
Fact:
· In November, House Democrats again fought for a New Direction in Iraq by passing a funding bill that provides our troops with $50 billion and a strategy that brings them home. [New York Times, 11/15/07]
The President should take responsibility for his Iraq policy rather than expect the American people or the next Admisitration to bear the consequences of his mistakes. The President can do that by working with Democrats who are fighting every day to bring our troops home responsibly, honorably, safely and soon.
Congress is now moving forward with historic energy legislation that will reduce our dependence on foreign fuels and promote energy efficiency. We have made significant progress toward completing this package and hope to have a final agreement next week.