John Ensign: “we don't intend to stay in Iraq forever. And we don't intend to rebuild Iraq--that is a task for the Iraqi people. Our…”

“we don't intend to stay in Iraq forever. And we don't intend to rebuild Iraq--that is a task for the Iraqi people. Our exit strategy--the way to get our troops home--is to make sure that Iraq's economy can produce sufficient revenue to pay for its own reconstruction--so Iraq is not dependent on International assistance. Our exit strategy is to help train Iraqi police, border patrol, and its armed forces and civil defense forces so Iraq is not dependent on foreign troops for its own security. The President's request is designed to help Iraqis get on a path to self-reliance, so U.S. forces can come home, and so the U.S. taxpayer does not have to foot the bill for Iraq's reconstruction. Unfortunately, it is going to be difficult to kick-start Iraq's economy--even with a generous U.S. aid package--because Iraq is saddled with an enormous amount of debt from Saddam Hussein's regime. For example, according to the White House, the bi-lateral debt owed by Iraq includes: $8.9 billion to Japan; $6.9 billion to Russia; $6 billion to France; $4.8 billion to Germany; $30-50 billion to Gulf countries; $8.2 billion to Kuwait; $18 billion to Non-Paris club countries like China, Korea, and Turkey. Mr. President, I realize that none of the funds appropriated by this bill may be used to service a debt that is owed by Saddam Hussein's regime. So I am not worried that any of the $20 billion the President has requested for Iraq will directly end up in the pockets of the French.…”