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July 24, 2008 11:47:56 PM CDT

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House Bids to Put Contractors Under US Law

Posted Oct 4, 07 5:01 PM CDT in Politics,  US 

(Newser) – The House of Representatives passed a bill today that would make private security firms accountable to US civilian courts; the vote was 389 to 30, with opposition coming only from Republicans. The White House and Pentagon want contractors kept under military jurisdiction, but if the Senate passes similar legislation by a similar margin, the president will be unable to veto it successfully.

Last month’s episode in which Blackwater contractors killed 17 Iraqi civilians—and comparable shootings brought to light in its wake—suggests the firm may not be “bound by any law at all,” the New York Times reports. Only Defense Department contractors are currently covered by civilian law; Blackwater’s missions involve providing security for State Department clients.

Source New York Times

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White House  • House of Representatives  • State Department  • Blackwater  • Defense Department  • military law


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