SENATOR COLLINS PRESSES PENTAGON LEADERS ON $25B IRAQ SPENDING REQUEST, EQUIPMENT FOR TROOPS

Washington, D.C. -- Senator Susan Collins questioned the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz, and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, about the Administration's $25 billion emergency budget request for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The two testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Senator Collins is a member. Senator Collins recommended that the military alter their request to allow greater Congressional oversight of spending for the war operations.

The Administration has requested complete flexibility to use the $25 billion. The President would have broad flexibility to use the funds as long as Congress was given five days notification and the activities were designated as an "emergency."

"Congress is eager to give you the resources needed, to ensure that our troops have everything they need," said Senator Collins. "But we must strike the right balance between the Administration's need for flexibility and the Congress' need to closely oversee spending." Secretary Wolfowitz pledged to work with Senator Collins and the Committee on this issue.

Senator Collins also asked about recent reports she received that some troops in Iraq still were not properly equipped with ammunition, armored vehicles, and communications equipment.

General Pace expressed concern about these reports and said he would investigate the particular incidents of which Senator Collins was notified. He added, "I am confident that this Congress has already allocated sufficient resources for that problem to not exist today."

Secretary Wolfowitz said the increased need for protective gear for the troops was an example that the Pentagon requires great flexibility to transfer funds quickly to deal with unexpected situations. He said, "Many of those expenditures are different than we expected a year ago."

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