Robert C. Byrd: “If it is for support of the troops, and for their safety, I do not think there will be any delay in that respect.”

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

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.

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

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