Chuck Hagel: “I understand the State Department expects to fund the Embassy-Baghdad operations using emergency spending in Fiscal Year…”

“I understand the State Department expects to fund the Embassy-Baghdad operations using emergency spending in Fiscal Year 2005. It is also my understanding that Senate Appropriations Committee agrees with the State Department on this issue. The House version of the Fiscal Year 2005 Defense Appropriations bill includes $665 million in emergency spending for the Department of State to fund Embassy-Baghdad operations, IT costs, logistical support, and security requirements. Chairman Stevens and Senator Gregg, and I understand that the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee will accept the House position on funding Embassy-Baghdad operations, IT costs, logistical support, and security requirements during the upcoming conference. I appreciate the support from Chairman Stevens and Senator Gregg on this matter.”