David Price: “our Nation faces a tremendous challenge in Iraq and Afghanistan, with troops in the field and the threat looming of a…”

“our Nation faces a tremendous challenge in Iraq and Afghanistan, with troops in the field and the threat looming of a reversion to tyranny or chaos. Because we cannot walk away from the need to sustain our troops and to stabilize these countries, I voted to report this bill from the Committee on Appropriations. But the Bush administration's Iraq policy has been marred by appalling failures of planning and execution and something close to a diplomatic meltdown with long-time allies. We must correct this course. The first step that this House must demand is an accounting of funds thus far expended, a more detailed justification for the present request, and an honest estimate of costs yet to come. I am pleased that the Committee on Appropriations improved the President's request in significant ways, providing critical new equipment for troops, including body armor and communications equipment, and eliminating funding for questionable and overpriced projects such as prison construction. The committee adopted additional provisions offered by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) that would require the administration to provide detailed justification to Congress on the use of appropriated funds in Iraq and Afghanistan; would require an analysis of the impact of military operations on our troops and overall military readiness; and would mandate open and competitive bidding for rebuilding contracts. Despite these improvements, much still needs to be done.”