Schakowsky Statement on Potential Blackwater, C.I.A. Ties

WASHINGTON, DC (December 11, 2009) — Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, released the following statement in response to reports from media outlets that Blackwater (Xe) may have participated in covert C.I.A. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We should all be concerned if the allegations that have been reported in the press about Blackwater are correct. It is a serious matter and demands accountability.

"I have long opposed the outsourcing of inherently governmental responsibilities to for-profit companies who are outside the official chain of command, especially Blackwater (Xe), which has an extensive history of serious misconduct that has hurt our troops, civilians, and our mission. What appears to be a deep relationship between Blackwater and the CIA should cause all Americans to take pause. It is extremely dangerous for the U.S. to become dependent on private contractors for military or intelligence operations....