Bush signs $162B war bill, praising Congress’ work

July 1, 2008

WASHINGTON - President Bush on Monday signed legislation to pay for the war operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the rest of his presidency and beyond, hailing the $162 billion plan as a rare product of bipartisan cooperation.

“This bill shows the American people that, even in an election year, Republicans and Democrats can come together to stand behind our troops and their families,” Bush said in an Oval Office ceremony.

Bush thanked lawmakers of both parties, singling out some sponsors of the long-delayed, compromise measure for praise. His positive comments contrasted with the confrontational tone that has dominated the debate between Congress and his administration over Iraq.

The legislation brings to more than $800 billion the amount Congress has issued for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Congressional Budget Office and House Appropriations Committee.

VIDEO: President Bush signs war funding legislation

“Our nation has no greater responsibility than supporting our men and women in uniform, especially since we’re at war,” the president said. “This is a responsibility all of us in Washington share, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans.”

The package approved by Congress includes a doubling of GI Bill college benefits for troops and veterans. It also provides a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits, $2.7 billion in emergency flood relief for the Midwest and tens of billions of dollars for food aid, anti-drug enforcement, Louisiana levee repairs and other items.

The bill will fund the wars well into next year, giving the next president several months to set Iraq policy after taking office. It also spares lawmakers the need to cast more war-funding votes closer to Election Day.

The Democratic majority in Congress has tried, unsuccessfully, to force troop withdrawals and other limits on Bush’s ability to conduct the war. War opponents, such as Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who chairs the “Out of Iraq” congressional caucus, have expressed resignation in yielding to the lame duck president.

No lawmakers attended the ceremony, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said, because “they’re all out of town.” Congress is in recess.

Standing with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Bush said the bill will allow troops to prevail in their missions.

USA Today | Tuesday, July 1, 2008