Starting about late 2004, we were finding out that security constrained our ability to build all the things we wanted to.

Both the US Defense Department (Army Corps of Engineers) and the State Department have roles in reconstruction, however, the Iraq Project and Contracting Office (PCO) manages most of the pledged $18 billion.

As we watched the work progress, it became clear that this job was more complicated than this one contractor could accomplish.

Iraq's economy is forecasted to grow at a rate of 4 percent this year, and accelerate into the double digits next year. Per capita income is nearly double what it was two years ago.

We're building for the future. Our belief is that planning for the future and setting ambitious goals ultimately helps the Iraqis achieve their goals.

A comprehensive national energy policy is critical to our nation's economy and our national security. Energy expenditures account for about 7% percent of our total economy and influence pricing in the much of the rest of the economy.