Haley Stevens: “I will oppose the amendment. It is an amendment that would limit the discretion and use of these funds. These funds are…”

“I will oppose the amendment. It is an amendment that would limit the discretion and use of these funds. These funds are designed to as quickly as possible bring about the reconstruction of Iraq and the training of Iraqis to take over their own affairs, to defend themselves, to provide their own security, provide their own water, provide their own electricity, run their own schools--a whole series of things to have this money available, as the Senator says, in the tranches. We can do so much for 120 days. You have to wait for another 120 days before you can have the next money, and another 120 days for the next money. Now, when you look at that, what it really means is you are going to have to decide we are going to be there for at least a year just doing what is designed in this process to be an upfront program to move quickly as possible to turn this government back to them. I think that is a restriction on the use of these funds that would hamper the ability of Ambassador Bremer and General Abizaid to carry out their instructions they have already received from the Congress and the instructions that are generally contained in this bill. It is my intention to speak further on the amendment tomorrow, but just so there would be no question about it, I will oppose the Senator's amendment and urge that it be defeated.”