Pete Domenici: “this amendment requires reporting on the reconstruction of Iraq. This amendment ensures congressional oversight for the…”

“this amendment requires reporting on the reconstruction of Iraq. This amendment ensures congressional oversight for the $20.3 billion portion of the supplemental bill designated for the reconstruction of Iraq. As I look at what is going on in Iraq, I see tremendous progress and good that is taking place. Unfortunately, the media have not seen fit to report on these good things and the fact that our men and women there are making life better for the Iraqi people. But my amendment puts in place a way to measure that progress so as to clearly show the American people what we are doing. It requires that the plan for reconstruction is regularly reported so Americans can plainly see that Iraq is moving toward independence and toward a day when our troops will come home. I have been fortunate enough to talk to people in Iraq with firsthand knowledge of the situation on the ground. Based on my conversations with these individuals, it seems to me there are a few critical elements that must be met in order to achieve the kinds of things we want. For example--we need to get the electricity working. We also need to get the water running. We need to get the oil pumping, and the police trained. I believe improving these services is the key to a new civil society in Iraq, and I think Mr. Bremer is working very hard to make them happen.”