WASHINGTON (Reuters):

President George W. Bush threatened yesterday to veto legislation approved by the House of Representatives that would impose a deadline for United States troops to withdraw from Iraq.

Bush accused Democrats who orchestrated the vote as "an act of political theatre" that they know will never become law.

"They set rigid restrictions that would require an army of lawyers to interpret. They set an arbitrary date for withdrawal with no regard for conditions on the ground. And they tacked on billions in pet projects that have nothing to do with winning the war on terror," Bush said.

"This bill has too much pork, too many conditions and an artificial timetable for withdrawal. As I've made clear for weeks I will veto it if it comes to my desk," Bush said.