Bush urges passage of Iraq funds, spy bill

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Eyeing two late-term political wins, US President George W. Bush urged lawmakers Friday to approve new Iraq war funds and a spy-powers bill that has drawn heavy fire on civil liberties grounds.

"It's vital that our intelligence community has the ability to learn who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they are planning," Bush said in a hastily announced, two-minute statement at the White House.

The spending bill would provide 162 billion dollars for conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, fuelling both for months after his successor takes over in January, without attaching a withdrawal timetable sought by Iraq war opponents.

"This legislation gives our troops the funds they need to prevail without tying the hands of...