Robert C. Byrd: “I do not think the Government should promise tax cuts we have to borrow to afford.”

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

We need important changes in our great health benefit program. TRICARE, to ensure a superior benefit for the long-term.

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.