Bush rhetoric presses Congress to fund his War

White House Briefing, Tony Snow interview with the press

White House Press Secretary, Tony Snow: “tomorrow will mark the 100th day since the President requested funding for the war on terror” and safety of our troops in Iraq. Snow’s next statement was interesting, yet another way around the constitutional limits set in place for the executive. If you’re a supporter of the war, then this is good news for the time being:

“the air force and navy declare they will reallocate 1.4 billion in funds to the war on terror”

The president stands strong and defiant against Congress

Despite Congressional pressure to accept time deadlines for withdrawal, the army will move fourth quarter funding into the 3rd quarter. By moving money from their fourth quarter allocated amount, the white house secretary said that it creates uncertainty and inefficiency in our system. Tony Snow also said it ultimately causes tax increases in the long run and forces us to look for solutions to these problems in the future.

According to the Secretary,

General Patreaus said, “the debate between Congress and the President, the discussion they are having right now will determine the outcome of the war in Iraq.

What followed this comment was a series of questions by reporters. The secretary’s answer to questions about Iraq was simple:

The Deadline for withdrawal is unacceptable! We are not going to negotiate on this matter.

When asked why this was the case, Snow was ready with a response. A deadline for withdrawal, he said, puts constraints on our leadership. He asserted that if you only have money until a certain date, you either have to pull future spending and use it or shut down production entirely.

The deadline, Snow said:

“has a real impact in terms of procurement, moving troops around, it affects how the troops are transfered throughout the reason because its costly and significant.”

“We’re not gonna talk about it, do the American people have any say on this.. they want a withdrawal.”

Additional questions asked:

Q: What about the people, they want out of Iraq?

A: If I went out right now and ran a poll, I could show you a return of 60% of the American people who agree with the President. (paraphrase)

Q: In 2004, there were issues with terrorist surveillance….

A: Tony Snow interrupts before the question continued,

Terrorist surveillance saves lives, period.

It is vital for national security.

Q: Ranking republican Arlen Spector suggested that Alberto Gonzales must go and that we cannot continue under the Attorney general’s leadership.

A: The White House respectfully disagrees with Senator Spector, the Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will not resign.

Fred Soto is an Attorney and Entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley.
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