US Defense Secretary Warns of Massive Bloodshed in Iraq if US Military Operations Curtailed (2/2)

The Pentagon says it needs a new infusion of funds within weeks to continue the war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both houses of the Democratic Party-controlled Congress have passed emergency spending bills that provide the money, but also establish dates for withdrawing U.S. forces.

President Bush says he will veto any bill that sets a timetable for a troop pullout. Democratic leaders have responded by pressing for even-starker legislation that would cut off funding for most forms of military operations in Iraq.

Many Democrats say U.S. efforts in Iraq have failed. But President Bush maintains that his current plan, increasing the number of U.S. troops in Baghdad and one of Iraq's violence-plagued provinces, is beginning to show some positive signs.

Appearing next to Secretary Gates was the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace.

The general said the troop build-up is on schedule, and will be completed by June. Secretary Gates said he is hopeful that the security plan for Iraq will succeed, therebybolstering Iraq's fledging government. But he added, in his words "there is a great reluctance" class="hjdict" word="reluctance" target=_blank>reluctance to engage in 'happy talk.'"