Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, over the next 2 days we will be debating the President's request for $87 billion in military reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the outset, I want to acknowledge the outstanding bravery and dedication shown by our men and women in uniform who are serving overseas. After visiting Iraq in August and visiting Afghanistan a year ago, I could not be more impressed with the young people who are standing in harm's way every day on our behalf. Our first priority, then, in this emergency supplemental must be to meet the needs of our troops and keep them safe. It has been alarming to learn over the past several months that many soldiers lack Kevlar vests, that there are insufficient armored vehicles, that spare parts and other essential supplies have not reached our troops. This must be corrected immediately. It is also essential that the administration demonstrate it has a well-thought-out plan for Iraq's reconstruction.
When Ambassador Bremer testified before the Committee on International Relations, I asked him how much of the prewar planning was of use to him in the postwar period. His answer was both candid and astounding. He never read the postwar plan. He never had time to. The lack of adequate postwar planning has hurt our effort significantly. We must insist on far more planning and accountability. Any supplemental appropriation must not be a blank check but should require frequent reporting and consultation with Congress. Americans must also not bear this burden alone. It is in the profound interest of the world community that Iraq be placed on the road to self-governance and that it not be allowed to descend into chaos. The resolution which now appears likely to pass in the United Nations is a positive step forward but those words must be followed by deeds. Other nations must contribute troops and funds toward the security and reconstruction in Iraq. Moreover, private companies must not be allowed to profiteer from the vast sums expended. Open bidding processes should be used whenever possible and greater scrutiny should be applied to any and all contracts awarded. Maximum use of Iraqi labor should be employed to further obtain Iraqi support for reconstruction.
Finally, to the degree we must finance the lion's share of the military reconstruction efforts, this burden must not be allowed to fall to the very soldiers and their children in the future. We should not debt finance this war.