Robert C. Byrd: “So there's--there will not be a cutback in the R&R leave for our troops in Iraq?”

Doesn't this send a signal to the Iraqi people and to the American people that the United States intends to have a large permanent presence there?

In closing, may I say that the President's request includes $658 million for construction of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

Promoting efficiency and preventing fraud in defense acquisitions will obviously be a high priority.

I will also ensure that the OIG pursues aggressive oversight of contracting issues.