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US Intelligence In Private Hands

Billions a year spent on private intel contracts—but where's the money going?

By Ben Worthen,  Newser User

Posted May 31, 2007 8:00 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Since 9/11, the US government has been upping spending on private intelligence contractors, doling out cash that is often classified and impossible to trace, Salon reports. 70% of all classified intelligence spending goes into private hands, making waste and corruption serious concerns.

Some lawmakers want the intelligence community to increase transparency: Bills in the House and the Senate would publicize the intelligence budget, reveal the recipients of billions of dollars that are currently veiled in secrecy; and, some hope, encourage the government to reconsider the outsourcing of American security.

US Representative Rick Renzi (R), under federal investigation for using his Appropriations Committee position to funnel defense contracts to his father's company
US Representative Rick Renzi (R), under federal investigation for using his Appropriations Committee position to funnel defense contracts to his father's company   (Associated Press)
Former CIA director George Tenet is now paid millions of dollars to oversee private intelligence contracts
Former CIA director George Tenet is now paid millions of dollars to oversee private intelligence contracts   (Associated Press)
George Tenet, former CIA director, now oversees millions of dollars in private intelligence contracts
George Tenet, former CIA director, now oversees millions of dollars in private intelligence contracts   (Associated Press)
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intelligence • outsourcing • contractors • intelligence spending • money • privatization • secrecy

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