Barbara Boxer: “I thank Senator Reid and Senator Warner for working out this arrangement whereby we can have a definite vote on two…”

“I thank Senator Reid and Senator Warner for working out this arrangement whereby we can have a definite vote on two alternatives that deal with, in my opinion, competitive bidding-- that is what we are talking about--in the rebuilding of Iraq. I send my amendment to the desk, and I ask that the amendment be read. The Senator from California [Mrs. Boxer] proposes an amendment numbered 825: At the appropriate place insert the following: (a) Findings.--The Senate finds that-- (1) On March 8, 2003, the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a sole-source Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract for the reconstruction of the Iraqi oil industry. (2) The Department of Defense has characterized this contract as a short-term ``bridge'' contract that will be used for an interim period until a contract can be awarded on a competitive basis. (3) However, the estimated date of completion for this contract is March 2005 and the value is estimated by the Department of Defense to be $57 billion. (4) The Department of Defense has established a goal of completing the follow-on competition and having a fully competitive contract in place by August 31, 2003. This goal was stated in a letter dated May 2, 2003. (b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that-- (1) The taxpayers deserve fairness. (2) Businesses deserve fairness.…”