Bush To Spend Iraq War Anniversary With Gators Football Team

Chicago Tribune March 17, 2007 01:34 PM

The White House, repeatedly asked if President Bush is planning anything to mark the fourth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq on Monday, has suggested that the president is going about business as usual. On Monday, that business includes playing host to the 2006 NCAA football champions, the University of Florida "Gators'' -- who play, remember, in a field called The Swamp.

But the presdent has his eyes fixed on another date: The House's upcoming debate and vote on a war spending bill that includes timelines for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq which he White House pledges to veto -- as well as "porkbarrel'' spending which the White House is criticizing, such as $74 million for peanut storage. In his weekly radio address today, the president argues that "the consequences of imposing such an artificial timetable would be disastrous,'' and issues this challenge: "Many in Congress say they support the troops, and I believe them. Now they have a chance to show that support in deed, as well as in word.''

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