Aderholt Statement on War Supplemental Bill Veto

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With President Bush vetoing the War Supplemental Spending bill, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) offered the following statement on the veto and what it means for additional spending programs that were included in the measure:

“I applaud the decision by President Bush to veto the War Supplemental Spending bill. This bill was intended to fully fund the troops who are in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congress cannot place itself in a position to make decisions regarding an artificial withdrawal timeline that properly belongs to the President and his generals. The primary purpose of this bill seems to be to tie the hands of our commanders on the ground in such a way that they can’t possibly succeed.

Having said that, however, I’m very supportive of several programs contained in the War Supplemental, particularly funding intended to help farmers who have lost their crops this year. It’s unfortunate that the liberal leaders in Congress have chosen to muddy the waters and inject this vital program into the middle of the war debate. Everyone understood the President’s position on vetoing this bill. If the leadership of the House truly cares about America’s farmers they will immediately bring a crop disaster aid bill to the floor so that we can quickly vote on it and send it on to the President for signature.”