Robert C. Byrd

The American people are entitled to know before the election, not after the election, what at least the estimated costs of these continuing wars are to the American people in dollars as well as in lives, as well as with regard to the…

The White House plays hide and seek with the costs of the war, hiding them from the American public until after the November election.

The American people are entitled to know what these estimates are, and that is what we are asking.

Does the administration give the American people an understanding of the costs of this prolonged occupation of Iraq? The answer is no, right?

It is increasingly clear that the Bush administration has no idea of when to start to bring American soldiers home from Iraq.

But does the administration include costs for this mission in its budget? The answer is no, right?

These questions may sound like there is a great deal of animus between you and me. There is none.

Monthly cost for what, please?

The Bush Administration's distortion and sabotage of science.

The proposal provides for a blanket $25 billion transfer authority with no requirements for detailed justification, no consultation, and no reporting.

We need absolute clarity and assurances that these funds will not and cannot be used to export war to get into another country.

There should be a requirement to consult with the chairman and the ranking member of the Armed Services and the Appropriations Committees prior to transferring funds.

There is no requirement for consultation with Congress. Shame.

This would further transfer authority to the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Director of OMB.

There should be detailed justification for the request.

These are the invincible 23 who stood against the resolution of shame of October 16, 2002.

DOD's request says that $10.8 billion covers the cost of sustaining U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

I was in Kabul 48 years ago.

Why is the cost per troop in Afghanistan so much higher?

Why is the cost of operations in Afghanistan about as high today as they were during the war?

If we expand the International Security Assistance Force beyond Kabul, can we expect costs for U.S. military operations to increase?

When would DOD expect these costs to decline?

So you anticipate this $11 billion cost will continue?

How soon do you think we might hear from you?

Would you please report back to my office and to this committee about what actions you will take to improve communication?