Robert C. Byrd: “Let us respond to our environmental needs as we responded to the San Francisco earthquake and Hurricane Hugo…”

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?

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

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

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.