Robert C. Byrd: “There comes a time when the Nation needs courage in its leaders.”

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.

The Department is firmly committed to working closely and openly with Congress in order to protect the health of our servicemembers.

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

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