Earlier at the White House, President Bush urged lawmakers to approve the money to continue the war. He was later questioned by NBC reporter David Gregory.

David Gregory: “Can you explain why you are still a credible messenger on the war?”

President Bush: “I’m credible because I read the intelligence, David. And it’s abundantly clear in plain terms that if we let up, we’ll be attacked.”

The president also said the U.S. would push for new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities.