Why Is The US Shutting Down Auditing Of Iraq Reconstruction?
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in Money, WarWashington lawmakers have reacted with shock at the discovery that an obscure clause in a military spending bill will terminate the work of the auditor.The Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction has embarrassed the US administration with its reports on corrupt practices.
Critics of the government claim this is what lies behind its sudden closure.
Listen, if we’re to believe that we’re going to stay in there until the job is done (which is highly unlikely), we need oversight of these contractors. I mean, come on…
Republicans are equally concerned at this turn of events…
Republican Senator Susan Collins told the New York Times she was mystified about how the termination clause had found its way into the bill. Senator John Warner, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told the newspaper he would push for an extension of (Special Inspector General Stuart) Bowen’s charter.Inspectors from other US government departments, such as the Pentagon, could take over some of the Iraq auditor’s responsibilities. But the strength of Mr Bowen’s operation lies in its strong presence on the ground in Iraq.
I hope they get to stay, but I’m not holding out hope.
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November 5th, 2006 at 9:55 am
I thought it was announced a couple of days ago the person who placed the clause was Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA).
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061103/ap_on_el_se/iraq_reconstruction
Horrible idea to place State and Defense auditors to oversee and audit the reconstruction work when both organizations have become so political these past six years. There are good people in these stovepipes but they are more apt to have pressure placed on them from their leaders than an independent group would. This whole reconstruction process has become the new Oil For Food program.
November 5th, 2006 at 10:36 am
Just wait, soon we might have a lame duck congress, what they will do before they leave office is the real question.
November 5th, 2006 at 12:10 pm
[...] Why Is The US Shutting Down Auditing Of Iraq Reconstruction? - this is shameful. [...]
November 6th, 2006 at 11:59 am
Yet another example of Republicans blocking audits of their wrongdoing and incompetence…