Cord Byrd: “Mr. President, the President has asked Congress to appropriate a great deal of money for the occupation and…”

“Mr. President, the President has asked Congress to appropriate a great deal of money for the occupation and reconstruction of Iraq. But the American people have not yet been convinced that spending this money is the right thing to do. One poll conducted by the Washington Post found that 61 percent opposed spending $87 billion for Iraq and that 85 percent were concerned about our country becoming bogged down in a long and costly peacekeeping mission. One of the most contentious parts of the President's request is $20.3 billion in reconstruction aid for Iraq. The more details that come out about this aid, the more the American people are uncomfortable with this spending. They are seeking important answers to fair questions. Why can't our allies bear some of the cost? How much money will the administration seek for Iraq after this aid package? What about our needs for reconstruction here at home? In the 14 days we have had in which to examine the President's supplemental appropriations package, I do not think anyone has come up with the answers to those questions. What we do know is that this reconstruction money will not cover all that is needed to be done in Iraq. Ambassador Bremer, in his testimony to the Appropriations Committee, stated there are $60 billion to $70 billion in reconstruction needs in Iraq over the next 4 to 5 years.”