Walter B. Jones: “last night I spoke on the floor about my concern that allied countries have only paid $2.5 billion of the $15.8 billion…”

“last night I spoke on the floor about my concern that allied countries have only paid $2.5 billion of the $15.8 billion they pledged to help rebuild Iraq. While many of Iraq's oil-rich neighbors are not making good on their promises, the United States has already spent $29 billion to help rebuild Iraq, and Congress has approved an additional $16.5 billion. Unlike the United States, which is borrowing money from foreign governments to pay its bills, many of Iraq's neighbors are running record surpluses. While oil is at a record high of nearly $104 a barrel, American taxpayers are facing prices of more than $3 at the pump. Last night on the floor, I heard Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur talk about the possibility of gas going to $4 a gallon. And Congressman Todd Tiahrt spoke about the Air Force's recent decision to award a multibillion contract for a new tanker aircraft to a foreign firm. He made the point that our government is putting the United States at an economic disadvantage by awarding contracts for a French tanker built by Europeans rather than an American tanker built by an American company with American workers. Mr. Speaker, all of these issues tie into my concern over America's economic future. Our national debt is growing by $1.4 billion a day and nearly $1 million by the minute. The total current debt is more than $9 trillion, which means almost $30,000 in debt for each man, woman, child, and infant in the United States.”