Two weeks ago, President Bush asked the nation for an additional $87 billion to pay for continued military operations and rebuilding in Iraq.  At this time, I have serious concerns that must be addressed prior to supporting this funding request.

Congress and the Bush Administration must do whatever it takes to ensure our servicemen and women, who have fought bravely and have risked their lives to bring security and democracy to Iraq and Afghanistan, succeed in both of these countries.

This includes additional funding for military operations and civil rebuilding.  As Senator John McCain expressed this week, we must do both.  We cannot leave a shattered country in the hands of whichever militant group most successfully suppresses and intimidates the Iraqi people.  As we have seen in Afghanistan and elsewhere, unstable countries in which people lack basic freedoms can become new sanctuaries for terrorism.

However, it is the duty of Congress and the American people to demand accountability and responsibility from the Administration before approving an additional $87 billion.

First, and most important, we cannot afford to put the cost of these operations on a credit card.  The budget deficit is already almost half-a-trillion dollars. 

To pay for the President’s request, I support repealing the top tax rate cut.  This is the fairest way to share the sacrifice of war.  The rate adjustment, affecting those with adjusting annual incomes of more than $300,000, would be made during the final six years of the 10-year tax cut plan.  Instead of receiving $690 billion in tax cuts during that decade, those in the top tax bracket would still receive about $600 billion in cuts.

If we are not willing to make this small sacrifice today, we’re piling on the enormous debt future generations will inherit.  It isn’t right to say we must all sacrifice, but in reality allow the sacrifice to fall only upon those serving in the military, their families, and the nation’s children and grandchildren who will eventually pay the bill. 

I am also concerned about fiscal accountability and transparency. More information regarding the plan for Iraq and Afghanistan is essential. With more than 140,000 Americans serving in distant deserts, we cannot accept an ongoing commitment without a comprehensive and transparent strategy for creating stability and winning the peace.

There is enormous confusion about the contracting process and concern that there continues to be no-bid contracts and “sweetheart deals,” eroding public confidence and support for current rebuilding activities.  Contracts must be awarded in a competitive, transparent fashion.

Finally, President Bush failed to garner broad international support for invading Iraq and we must now do what it takes to build an international coalition.  This effort should be a shared sacrifice with the world community, not paid with deficit dollars.  It is important to give the United Nations a clear and defined role, consistent with their capacity and experience.  Our servicemen and women are doing a valiant job in Iraq, but are simply not trained for their current mission.   It’s time to heighten the UN’s role in the civilian side of operations in Iraq.  To be clear, I do not support allowing American troops to come under the command of the U.N. Instead, we must effectively rebuild relations with the international community and create a genuine multi-national force that operates under US command. 

Addressing these three concerns – fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency, and need for greater internationalization – will allow the Administration to garner broader support in Congress and in America for the $87 billion funding request.  It is also the best thing we could do for our troops and their families.  The men and women serving our country do not want their children to inherit an enormous national debt, nor do they want their mission to be undermined by doubts about sweetheart deals and lack of international support. Irresponsibility should not be allowed to build upon itself.

Funding our mission in Iraq, but only after addressing these issues, is the right thing to do, and it is my hope that President Bush and Congressional Leadership will agree.