Senator Jim Webb just completed a conference call regarding the bill he and other freshman Senators introduced yesterday. The bill would establish a Commission on Wartime Contracting, with the goal of looking backwards at the contracting done in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as looking forward to how things can better be done in the future.
Webb stated that the bill currently has 20 co-sponsors. At this time, none of the co-sponsors are Republicans; however, he and other members of the freshman class have been reaching out to Republicans to get them on board. He said that there is a need to “break down barriers and come together across party lines … to get something done for the good of the country.”
The bill uses the existing structure of the Special Inspector General’s office, which means that costs for the commission will be negligible. It also provides for a two year sunset provision, with the first report due in about a year. There is no intention for the commission to be permanent.
The mismanagement, waste, fraud and abuse reflected in this story was mentioned. The Senator and others are concerned that more of such things are out there.
With about 180,000 contractors in Iraq, they outnumber the troops. I was surprised to learn that some 30,000 of these contractors are performing “quasi-combat” roles, including carrying weapons and providing security. Webb expressed concern that there might be some liability for the US for these people, who, while mostly American, are not American soldiers. Returning home with various ailments and injuries, and without the health insurance they have in the war zone, he fears that they might try to get benefits from the government similar to those who are in the military. He said the US finds itself unique situation here.
Webb also congratulated Senators John Warner and Richard Lugar for the energy they put into their proposed amendment. The Senator said that it isn’t 100% of what he would have liked but there is “a lot of good in it.”
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
This sounds great. It’s eactly the type of progressive, eyes-open leadership that I think the majority of people in Virginia, and across the nation) can appreciate. I particularly like that Webb has been pursuing issues that are of importance to all Virginians and seeking bipartisan cooperation. Well done.
We must recognize and reward efforts to unite us under the common good.
Thanks for this scoop Vivian.
Vivian,
This is the issue that should create the tipping point on Iraq for all but the most partisan of Republicans. I feel it in my bones — what those contractors have been up to, and what it is costing the taxpayers, is going to be shocking.
So, I am delighted Webb is leading the way; he is the perfect guy to shine a light on this soon-to-be monster-sized scandal.
this program would work great in the city of norfolk, i forgot that would be to much to ask for from a city who does not care for it’s people.
Great post Vivian. I was at work and could listen, but not write. Getting home and reading this I didn’t see the point: I had nothing else to add.
Let me sleep on it and see if I can think of anything new to say.
What conference call?
JC – you asked the question I was going to ask 🙂 JR – guess you missed it 😉
Something as important as this should be bi-partisan. I think how much certain contractors have benefitted by no-bid contracts is going to be huges and eye opening to the general public.
So you think it should it be bi-partisan? Get realistic! That’s the equivalent to asking the fox to help build a door on the chicken coop… Do you seriously think that any of the republicans will support this??? And…. if you believe that you’ll get support for this measure from Haliburton stockholders… then I have a bridge for sell!