Robert C. Byrd: “Members of Congress, this is the way we see it today; and on this basis, we would estimate thus and so.”

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

Why should Congress not have some limitations on this? It is the taxpayers' money.

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

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.