http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20031021-104439-2539r.htm The Bush administration yesterday said the president should veto the Iraq spending bill unless senators drop their provision that would make half the reconstruction money a loan, rather than a grant, to Iraq.
Including loans will slow efforts to stabilize the region and it "impairs our ability to encourage other nations to provide badly needed assistance without saddling Iraq with additional debt," Josh Bolton, director of the Office of Management and Budget, wrote congressional leaders.
Mr. Bolton said the president's advisers would "recommend that he veto the bill" — the typical language for conveying a veto threat — if it included loans. He also said using loans "raises questions about our commitment to building a democratic and self-governing Iraq."
Daschle response:
http://democrats.senate.gov/~dpc/releases/2003A21853.html" I am troubled by the conflicting statements made by the Bush Administration in the past week. The Senate was told there was an urgency to passing the Supplemental because our troops in the field greatly needed the resources. Now the Administration is willing to significantly delay the enactment of this bill because of their opposition to a loan for Iraq. It is troubling that the Administration is willing to jeopardize these funds over a dispute over the loan -- especially when the vast majority of the American people support the loan. "
Pelosi:
Pelosi Statement on Iraq Supplemental Vote Today
http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=339Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on a vote in the House this afternoon on a Democratic motion to instruct conferees on the Supplemental spending request. The motion contains a loan provision for reconstruction of Iraq, restores $1.3 billion in veterans’ health care funding, and expands health care for members of the National Guard and Reserves. Despite White House pressure, the motion passed the House by a vote of 277 to 139, with 84 Republicans joining 192 Democrats and one Independent in voting for the measure.
"A strong majority of the House of Representatives has sent the President a clear message -- we want to do more for the troops serving in Iraq at less cost to American taxpayers.
"The three provisions in the Democratic motion to instruct were similar to ones approved by the Senate last week, despite lobbying by the Administration against them. Yet the President’s response to a clear majority of both the House and the Senate is to continue to dig in his heels and threaten to veto the bill.
"Time and time again, Democrats have put forward reasonable proposals for spending on the troops and reconstruction in Iraq, proposals that address the legitimate concerns of the American people. To ensure mission success in Iraq, and future support in Congress, the President must change course.
"Mr. President, working together we can support the troops, rebuild Iraq, and save the American taxpayers money."