Lowey: State Department Must Provide Answers About Private Security Contractors

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommitee on State and Foreign Operations, today voiced concern about the practices of private security contractors abroad and about the apparent lack of oversight enforced by the Department of State. Lowey released the following statement:

“Private security contractors and the Department of State have serious questions to answer about the propriety of their activities abroad and about whether proper oversight is conducted and accountability enforced. I am particularly concerned by the prevalence of “escalation of force” incidents, the lack of reporting of incidents resulting in casualties, and the absence of accountability for misconduct.

“The State Department paid Blackwater more than $832 million from 2004 through 2006. Private contractors and the State Department must operate in a way that is morally defensible and that advances American interests abroad.

“The President is expected to request hundreds of millions of dollars in supplemental funding for diplomatic security. In anticipation of this request, State Department personnel and private contractors must be comprehensive and forthcoming in their responses to both Congressional and Executive Branch investigations and hearings.”