A few months ago, after stories began to surface about Iraqi civilian deaths caused by Blackwater security contractors, I wrote House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who happens to represent my district. I wrote in support of legislation to terminate or limit the use of private security contractors (aka “mercenaries”) in Iraq. The letter she or her staff sent me in response is excerpted below.
Excerpts from Pelosi letter dated May 21, 2008
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HR 4102, introduced by Representative Jan Shakowsky (D-IL), would ensure that only federal government personnel execute tasks in any United States diplomatic or consular missions in Iraq. On November 7, 2007, HR 4102 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Intelligence. No further action has been taken.
Congress is committed to protecting the safety and security of our troops in Iraq. The Government Accountability Office reported that there are many deficiencies regarding the Army’s oversight of contractors in Iraq. These deficiencies include the limited visibility over contractors, the lack of adequate contractor oversight personnel, and little or no training on the use of contractors.
The lack of accountability for private contractor employees, particularly Blackwater empoloyees, coupled with their divergent set of regulations has resulted in the decreased safety of United States troops. This is unacceptable. Please be assured that I will keep your comments under consideration should the full House of Representatives consider HR 4102.
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Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
Member of Congress
