President Bush Vetoes War Spending Bill

May 1, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush has carried out his promise to veto war funding legislation that would have set a timetable for withdrawing US forces from Iraq. The measure would have required an October first start date for removing troops.

Bush vetoed the bill immediately upon his return to the White house from a visit to the headquarter of US Central Command. It oversees military operations in the Middle East, including Iraq.

In a live address to the nation from the White House, Bush said it "makes no sense to tell the enemy when you plan to start withdrawing." He said the legislation would have set "a date for failure" and would have imposed impossible conditions on military commanders.

Bush also said the bill is loaded with billions in non-emergency spending.

The president accused Democrats of trying to make a political point. Still, he's said he's ready to work with both parties to fashion legislation he can accept. Bush said he plans to meet with a bipartisan group of lawmakers tomorrow.