Holiday Ala Carte Blackwater Edition

This is a surprising move in the House this last week:

MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007 - Provides that persons who, while employed under a federal agency contract in a region outside the United States in which the Armed Forces are conducting a contingency operation, engage in conduct that would constitute an offense punishable by imprisonment for more than one year if engaged in within U.S. jurisdiction shall be punished as provided for that offense.

Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report to Congress on the status of the Department’s investigations of abuses alleged to have been committed by contract personnel and findings and recommendations about the Department’s capacity and effectiveness in prosecuting misconduct by contract personnel.

Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to establish a Theater Investigative Unit for each theater of operations established in connection with a contingency operation in which contract personnel are carrying out work under a covered contract, to be responsible for investigating allegations of criminal misconduct by such personnel.

The House passed this bill to hold private security contractors accountable for criminal behavior. Vote Passed (389-30, 13 Not Voting)

Blackwater by J. Scahill

This is equally as interesting, yet………complete BS:

Blackwater USA Supports Proposed Legislation on Contractor Accountability Introduced by Rep. David Price - H.R. 2740

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Blackwater USA is committed to, and supportive of, strong contractor accountability and transparency. Blackwater applauds Congressman Price for introducing this important legislation, and encourages passage of H.R. 2740 titled “MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007.”

Rep. David Price’s legislation would, if enacted, provide a greater level of accountability for all contractors working overseas for the U.S. Government.

It’s about damned time. One wonders if it will do any good. On the other hand, it has to go to the Senate and the Lone Rager is bound to veto the bill for his pals.

BTW, “In the Valley of Elah” is an astounding and most excellent film. I highly recommend it.

tag: congress, bill, legislation, contractors, blackwater, MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act of 2007, price, DOJ, misconduct, private security contractors, in the valley of elah