Robert C. Byrd: “The American people would have some idea of what they are going to be asked to pay and over what period.”

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

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.

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.