Robert C. Byrd: “Why is the cost of operations in Afghanistan about as high today as they were during the war?”

I cannot support this item unless there are some limitations on it, unless Congress can exercise its power over the purse, as the Constitution provides.

Doesn't this send a signal to the Iraqi people and to the American people that the United States intends to have a large permanent presence there?

I will also ensure that the OIG pursues aggressive oversight of contracting issues.

Promoting efficiency and preventing fraud in defense acquisitions will obviously be a high priority.