Cord Byrd: “In considering the President's $87 billion for Iraq, the House of Representatives adopted a provision that would require…”

“In considering the President's $87 billion for Iraq, the House of Representatives adopted a provision that would require the U.S. official responsible for coordinating the reconstruction efforts in Iraq to be appointed by the President by and with the advice of the Senate. It is almost embarrassing that the House of Representatives had to act on behalf of the Senate to include such a requirement. The House was responding to the news that the President had appointed National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice to lead a task force that would assume responsibilities for rebuilding Iraq. Unlike Secretaries Rumsfeld and Powell, who testified before the Congress to explain the actions of Defense and State Department personnel in Iraq, the actions of the task force will likely be shielded from the public by what may be said to be executive privilege. The National Security Adviser, as a member of the President's staff, traditionally does not testify before the Congress, except under extreme circumstances. It is an unconfirmed position and its actions are hidden from the view of the Congress, the media, and the public.”