US President Bush vetoed legislation to pull American forces out of Iraq Tuesday night in a rare showdown with Congress over whether the war should end or escalate.
In only the second veto of his presidency, Bush rejected legislation pushed by Democratic leaders that would require the first American combat troops to be withdrawn by Oct. 1 with a goal of a complete pullout six months later.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, according to the AP. He added 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 accused Bush of ignoring Americans' wish to stop the war, which has claimed the lives of more than 3,350 members of the military. "The president wants a blank check," reacted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi moments after Bush's comments. "The Congress is not going to give it to him."
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 US leader said. According to him, the need to act was 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," Bush said.
"Whatever our differences, surely we can agree that our troops are worthy of this funding and that we have a responsibility to get it to them without further delay," the president said.
