Rhetoric
"Our whole nation has been reminded that we can never take our military for
granted. I will keep our military strong. America counts on the men and
women who have stepped forward as volunteers in the cause of freedom. I want
to thank you all for your good service. Thank you for the credit and honor
you bring to our country every day."
- President George W. Bush, 9/12/03 (Source)
Reality
By a recorded vote of 213 ayes to 213 noes, the House rejected an amendment
to increase the basic rate of pay to all military services by $265 million -
the amount needed to provide a $1,500 bonus to each person serving in
operations in Iraq or Afghanistan for FY 2004. The $265 million is roughly
equal to what many suspect Halliburton is overcharging the U.S. government
in Iraq.
- House Roll Call Vote #554, 10/17/03 (Source of Halliburton Figure)