Cord Byrd: “my amendment does not cut off funds for reconstruction, as I thought I understood the distinguished Senator from…”

“my amendment does not cut off funds for reconstruction, as I thought I understood the distinguished Senator from Kentucky to say. If I am incorrect and did not hear him say that or indicate that, I certainly would be glad to be corrected. My amendment would allow the President to allocate that money to other agencies but would not allow the CPA to spend that money until the Administrator is confirmed by the Senate. This won't shut down funding for the troops. The Senate has until March 1--4 months away--to confirm the Administrator of the CPA. After the Homeland Security Department was created, for example, the Senate confirmed Governor Tom Ridge in just a few short weeks--in just a matter of days. I think it would be the same with Ambassador Bremer. I certainly have no complaint with respect to Ambassador Bremer. My amendment is not about Ambassador Bremer, currently the head of the CPA, and all of his potential successors. They will have a great deal of authority. I say again that a lowly second lieutenant in the Army is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Surely the head of CPA should be as well. My colleague talks about the desire to bring the situation to a conclusion in Iraq as soon as possible. I agree with him that the job in Iraq should be finished as soon as possible. But it should be carried out with accountability to the elected representatives of the American people.”