Robert C. Byrd: “The American people, and we are here to represent them, are entitled to know what the costs of this war are and what the…”

We need important changes in our great health benefit program. TRICARE, to ensure a superior benefit for the long-term.

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

The Department is firmly committed to working closely and openly with Congress in order to protect the health of our servicemembers.

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