Robert C. Byrd: “I think we have an exceedingly important bill. We ought to be allowed to make opening statements.”

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?

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

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.