For $165 billion we could begin funding a safe and responsible redeployment of our troops and military contractors from Iraq. Instead. we are giving the President a blank check . . . actually. more than he asked for. Our Nation--whether through blood or treasurecannot afford to continue this endless occupation of Iraq. This bill will appropriate $165.4 billion for the Department of Defense. That could be a down payment on real change for Iraqfor reconciliation. reconstruction. and refugee resettlement. We have spent half a trillion dollars . . . and we have lost 4.101 troops and over 30.000 have been injured or maimed. Four million Iraqis have been displaced and unknown thousands have been killed.