WASHINGTON, DC - Today, following reports that President Bush signaled he would veto the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Armed Services Committee and former Army captain, issued the following statement:

"The President's veto threat is outrageous. This bill is crucial to our troops and their families. President Bush is putting the Iraqi governments' financial interests ahead of our soldiers and wounded warriors. This is another blatant example of the distorted priorities of this Administration."

The Defense Authorization bill addresses urgent national security priorities, including a 3.5 percent pay raise for our troops and Wounded Warriors legislation to enhance veterans' health care.