"This bill meets our commitments by making sure that our armed forces have every tool they need to meet and defeat the threats of our time," the president said during a subdued signing ceremony.

In a sign of the election-year power of national security issues, Bush left reporters on the campaign trail while he returned to Washington for the ceremony, which was his only event here before he headed back on the road.

"The message is clear: In a time of conflict and challenge, America stands behind our military," said Bush, who faces a powerful challenge from Democratic Senator John Kerry in the November 2 vote.

The budget measure, the only one of the 13 annual government spending bills to have cleared both house of the US Congress so far, includes 25 billion dollars for additional troops and equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In his remarks, Bush took pains to note the quality-of-life aspects of the bill, such as a 3.5-percent pay raise and money for off-base housing, as he acknowledged the need to attract and retain troops.

"The excellence and professionalism of an all-volunteer force has never been higher. America must do all we can to encourage these special Americans to stay in uniform, and that starts with taking care of their families," he said.

The bill also includes 10 billion dollars for the controversial missile defense program Bush promised to deploy shortly after taking office in January

The legislation also includes 95 million dollars in famine relief and other aid to help the people in Sudan's troubled Darfur region, where "brutal militias there are causing human suffering on an immense scale," said Bush.

"Recent history has shown that the threats to our shores can emerge from failing states half a world away. By acting early to end a crisis, we can make our world safer," the president said.

"Yet, no amount of aid can substitute for true and lasting peace. The government of Sudan must stop the violence of the Janjaweed militias, and all parties must respect the cease-fire and allow the free movement of humanitarian workers and supplies," he said.

WAR.WIRE