Robert C. Byrd: “If we expand the International Security Assistance Force beyond Kabul, can we expect costs for U.S. military operations…”

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

Why should Congress not have some limitations on this? It is the taxpayers' money.

Doesn't this send a signal to the Iraqi people and to the American people that the United States intends to have a large permanent presence there?

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