I am pleased that the committee accepted an amendment by Representative JACKSON to add $50 million in assistance to Liberia. It is important that the United States send a strong message of support to Liberia. particularly as we prepare to receive President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. the first woman to be elected head of state in Africa. This money will provide critical shortterm support to meet refugee and humanitarian needs. as well as to help stabilize Liberia in the initial months of her administration. First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary Rice pledged that the U.S. would stand by Liberia during this period of transition. and I think our bill with the addition of $50 million in economic support funds does just that. Finally. let me speak to the bulk of funding in the foreign operations bill which is for Iraq.