Well, the BBC/ABC poll taken of Iraqi citizens back in February, which got remarkably little coverage in this country, was a clear indication that the Iraqi people feel that they're a lot better off than they were a year ago.

Is the answer to my question yes, you're confident that U.S. tax dollars----

I want to commend you for that decision. I don't think you could have picked a better person to do it.

Therefore, Secretary England, I hope you will reconsider the decision to cut funding for this important modification to the MK45 gun system.

I don't think we ought to try to fund the war out of the priorities that help rearrange our military for the 21st century.

Do you share my view that the reconstruction is extremely important in allowing us to ultimately exit the country?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me begin by thanking all three of you for your extraordinary contributions to the war on terrorism, which has, so far, been successful beyond anyone's expectations.

It's my understanding the Navy's request today contains no provision for MK45 gun modifications to support cruiser modernization, and despite Congress' efforts to restore this program last year and this committee's expression of the…

Summing it up, if you had the resources, you'd like to do what I suggest.

You must succeed, because failure is not an option.

Congress must not fail to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to help the Iraqis build for themselves a stable economy and functioning democratic government.

Here at home, there are some who view the request for the reconstruction of Iraq as fodder for political campaigns. This is as reckless as it is irresponsible.