Robert C. Byrd: “Doesn't this send a signal to the Iraqi people and to the American people that the United States intends to have a large…”

In closing, may I say that the President's request includes $658 million for construction of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

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

The Department is firmly committed to working closely and openly with Congress in order to protect the health of our servicemembers.

My top priority will be to learn what challenges the DOD IG office needs to address and to ensure the adequacy of resources required to accomplish its mission.