CNN reporter Wolf Blitzer asked Boehner Wednesday how much longer the United States would have to stay in Iraq.

“The loss in blood, the Americans who are killed every month, how much longer do you think this commitment, this military commitment is going to require?” Blitzer asked.

“We need to continue our effort here because, Wolf, long term, the investment that we're making today will be a small price if we're able to stop al-Qaida here, if we're able to stabilize the Middle East,” said Boehner.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued a statement calling Boehner's comment “deplorable.”

“Our brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and their families have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to say anything less is insulting to their memories and service,” said Dean.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., in a posting at the Huffington Post blog, called Boehner’s comment “stunningly cavalier.”

“A single life is a large price to pay for any endeavor,” said Kerry.

A spokesman for Boehner, Kevin Smith, responded in a statement to Politico.com.

"Wolf asked about the money spent in Iraq, and that’s what Mr. Boehner was referring to when he said our troops’ efforts are critical for the safety and security of our country,” said Smith. “To put a dollar figure on what we are doing in Iraq does a disservice to the work our troops are doing to make our children and theirs safer."

Smith said no one else in Congress “appreciates the sacrifices of our troops more than Mr. Boehner.”