Charles Norwood: “tonight I will cast a vote in support of the Supplemental Appropriations Act for FY 2004--to provide $87 billion in…”

“tonight I will cast a vote in support of the Supplemental Appropriations Act for FY 2004--to provide $87 billion in supplemental funding for military operations (making up roughly $66 billion) and reconstruction efforts (accounting for an approximate $21 billion) in Iraq. I believe giving our troops in the field the financial support they need to finish the job in Iraq and providing this critically strategic nation with the resources needed to rebuild its infrastructure and establish a free government is the absolute right thing to do. However, Mr. Chairman, while I will ultimately support this legislation, I do not believe providing the approximately $21 billion for Iraq to complete its reconstruction efforts should be carried out completely by way of a grant--as the legislation states. Instead, I believe 50 percent of this funding should be made through a grant and the other 50 percent through a loan to Iraq. This, I believe, would still accomplish the same goal, and also help ensure that Iraq will remain a financial stake-holder in helping bear the costs for its reconstruction. Sadly, Mr. Chairman, it's true that Saddam Hussein has already left Iraq with $200 billion in debt.”