Cord Byrd: “1 year ago, Congress sent the President a war funding supplemental that included clear direction to bring our troops…”

“1 year ago, Congress sent the President a war funding supplemental that included clear direction to bring our troops home by December of 2007. The President chose to veto that bill. If he had signed that bill, most of our troops would be home today. Instead of bringing our troops home, the President decided to increase our commitment of U.S. troops and treasure to a war that has now entered its sixth year. Over 4,100 U.S. servicemembers have died. Over 30,000 U.S. servicemembers have been wounded. This year, the President asked Congress to approve another $178 billion for this endless war. With enactment of this supplemental, Congress will have approved over $656 billion for the war in Iraq. Once again, the President threw down the gauntlet and said he would veto the supplemental bill if Congress added funding for anything other than the war. He made this demand at a time when the U.S. economy is in trouble. Under the President's failed fiscal leadership, deficits and debt are on the rise. Unemployment is on the rise, with the largest 1 month increase in 20 years. Economic growth came to a virtual halt at the end of last year. Food and fuel costs are dramatically climbing. Mr. President, 8.8 million home owners have mortgages that exceed the value of their homes, and foreclosures have increased 57 percent. While saying no to funds for America, the President wanted this Congress to approve more funding to reconstruct Iraq.”