Skip to main content

Schakowsky Continues to Press for Improved Oversight of Private Contractors in Afghanistan

May 28, 2010
House Passes Schakowsky Amendment that Would Increase Accountability

WASHINGTON, DC (May 28, 2010) — Today Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) successfully offered an amendment to look at current private contractor oversight in Afghanistan and lessen the United States' reliance on reckless contractors.  Schakowsky co-introduced the amendment with Reps. James McGovern, John Conyers, Maurice Hinchey, and James Moran.

"The United States employs over 100,000 contractors in Afghanistan and we need to ensure that we have adequate oversight,... Schakowsky said.  "Reckless behavior by private contractors can endanger our mission and failure to oversee the money can leave billions of taxpayer dollars vulnerable to waste, fraud and abuse.  There are all too many examples of contractors being responsible for the deaths of civilians, significantly harming our relationship with the Afghan people and putting American troops in danger....

Schakowsky's amendment requires the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to report to Congress on existing contractor oversight and on contractors' involvement in civilian deaths.  The amendment requires that recommendations be made for improving oversight and preventing U.S. agencies from entering into contracts with those private contractors that have a record of waste, fraud and abuse, and dangerous behavior.