Robert C. Byrd: “Since the end of World War II we have expended our resources in foreign aid to strengthen our allies. It is not logical…”

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?

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.

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.

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