Robert C. Byrd: “If I were chairman, I wouldn't treat you like that--you, as the ranking member.”

I cannot support this item unless there are some limitations on it, unless Congress can exercise its power over the purse, as the Constitution provides.

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?

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.

I will also ensure that the OIG pursues aggressive oversight of contracting issues.