Robert C. Byrd: “This is a gimmick that this administration is using, I must say, and the American people are being kept in the dark.”

I just don't believe that we're giving enough attention to the war in Afghanistan.

I fully agree and I compliment you and our ranking member.

I cannot support this item unless there are some limitations on it, unless Congress can exercise its power over the purse, as the Constitution provides.

Could I impose on the chairman and the ranking member just briefly? What is the current monthly cost of operations in Afghanistan, and how much of the $25 billion in this budget request is for operations in Afghanistan?