President Bush today accused Democratic leaders of playing politics with a bill containing needed supplemental spending for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and repeated his vow to veto the measure if it contains language promoting a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.

A Democratic leader responded in kind, the latest round in a high-stakes rhetorical battle over the legislation (HR 1591).

“Democrat leaders in Congress seem more interested in fighting political battles in Washington than in providing our troops what they need to fight the battles in Iraq,” Bush said. “If Democrat leaders in Congress are bent on making a political statement, then they need to send me this unacceptable bill as quickly as possible when they come back. I’ll veto it, and then Congress can get down to the business of funding our troops without strings and without delay. “

In response, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., accused Bush of “engaging in unnecessary political theater” and delaying funding for our troops in harm’s way.

“Let’s be clear: Democrats are not attempting to micromanage this war. We are attempting to change a policy that is failing and chart a new direction in Iraq,” Hoyer said.