Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., this week expressed his renewed concerns about the ongoing war in Iraq and the welfare of American soldiers deployed in that region.

Byrd spoke to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which he chairs, late Thursday about "emergency supplemental" funds for the war and a variety of urgent domestic needs.

One year ago, Congress sent the White House supplemental legislation "with a clear direction to bring our troops home from Iraq by December of 2007," Byrd said.

"Instead of bringing our troops home, the president demanded an increase in our commitment of U.S. troops and treasure to a war that has now entered its sixth year."

Byrd stressed the need to take care of all soldiers once they return home.

"Today, we are considering the president's request for another $178 billion for the war at a time when the U.S. economy is in trouble," Byrd said.

Since Bush took office in 2001, the U.S. government has amassed the five largest annual deficits in American history.

"In seven years, President Bush more than doubled the U.S. debt held by China, Japan and other countries. Economic growth almost came to a halt at the end of last year," Byrd said.

Byrd also expressed surprise that Bush did not ask for additional funds to help Americans suffering major problems from disasters including Hurricane Katrina and other floods in 32 states.

Byrd criticized Bush for "threatening to veto the [current] supplemental bill if the Congress has the temerity to add one dime above his request in order to help our citizens here at home.

"But when it comes to Iraq, the president wants the dollars to flow. ... Despite the fact that the Iraqi government is running a huge surplus due to excess oil revenues, the president is asking this Congress to approve another 5.6 billion of American taxpayer dollars for reconstructing Iraq."

To contact staff writer Paul J. Nyden, use e-mail or call 348-5164.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., this week expressed his renewed concerns about the ongoing war in Iraq and the welfare of American soldiers deployed in that region.

Byrd spoke to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which he chairs, late Thursday about "emergency supplemental" funds for the war and a variety of urgent domestic needs.

One year ago, Congress sent the White House supplemental legislation "with a clear direction to bring our troops home from Iraq by December of 2007," Byrd said.

"Instead of bringing our troops home, the president demanded an increase in our commitment of U.S. troops and treasure to a war that has now entered its sixth year."

Byrd stressed the need to take care of all soldiers once they return home.

"Today, we are considering the president's request for another $178 billion for the war at a time when the U.S. economy is in trouble," Byrd said.

Since Bush took office in 2001, the U.S. government has amassed the five largest annual deficits in American history.

"In seven years, President Bush more than doubled the U.S. debt held by China, Japan and other countries. Economic growth almost came to a halt at the end of last year," Byrd said.

Byrd also expressed surprise that Bush did not ask for additional funds to help Americans suffering major problems from disasters including Hurricane Katrina and other floods in 32 states.

Byrd criticized Bush for "threatening to veto the [current] supplemental bill if the Congress has the temerity to add one dime above his request in order to help our citizens here at home.

"But when it comes to Iraq, the president wants the dollars to flow. ... Despite the fact that the Iraqi government is running a huge surplus due to excess oil revenues, the president is asking this Congress to approve another 5.6 billion of American taxpayer dollars for reconstructing Iraq."

To contact staff writer Paul J. Nyden, use e-mail or call 348-5164.