Robert C. Byrd: “But does the administration include costs for this mission in its budget? The answer is no, right?”

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

Promoting efficiency and preventing fraud in defense acquisitions will obviously be a high priority.

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

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