Robert C. Byrd: “How on earth is this Nation going to become competitive in the world economy if we consume our seed corn and do not…”

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

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?

The President hasn't requested one dime of his $81.9 billion supplemental for the veterans' healthcare system.

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