Robert C. Byrd: “I do not think it is in the people's interest of this country to rush this bill as it is being rushed.”

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

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

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

My top priority will be to learn what challenges the DOD IG office needs to address and to ensure the adequacy of resources required to accomplish its mission.