President Bush is marking the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq with a series of speeches aimed at bolstering support for the war.
Mr. Bush's remarks Monday in Ohio are expected to focus on efforts to rebuild Iraqi communities and stabilize the country.
On Sunday, the president told reporters he is encouraged by Iraq's political progress in the creation of an Iraqi unity government. He also praised the work of coalition troops.
Vice President Dick Cheney told a television interviewer that terrorists in Iraq are growing desperate and are trying to trigger a civil war.
However, Democratic Congressman John Murtha - a retired Marine Corps colonel - said Iraq is already in a civil war and U.S. troops should begin withdrawing.