Bush invites leaders to discuss new war funding bill

President Bush on Friday invited congressional leaders to the White House next Wednesday to discuss a new Iraq supplemental spending bill, reiterating his vow to reject the one approved this week.

"I invite the leaders of the House and the Senate -- both parties -- to come down soon after my veto so we can discuss the way forward," Bush said during a news conference at Camp David with Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe. Bush expressed optimism that a deal on a supplemental can be reached, noting "I think we can come to our senses."

But he repeated his vow not to accept legislation that includes a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq. "If the Congress wants to test my will as to whether or not I'll accept a timetable for withdrawal -- I won't accept one," Bush said.

The White House has repeatedly warned that failure to send a bill the president could sign would shortchange the troops.

But Bush on Friday took a gentler tone than he has in the past, acknowledging Congress "doesn't want to affect readiness and they don't want to affect the military families." But he added, "They're going to if they keep trying to pass legislation that withdraws troops or micromanages the war."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Friday laid blame for failing to fund the troops at Bush's feet and urged him to sign the bill.

"After more than four years of a failed policy, it's time for Iraq to take responsibility for its future," Reid said. "We are asking the president to carefully read this bill. He will see it fully provides for our troops and gives them a strategy worthy of their sacrifices."