The Watchdog Of Iraq
November 14, 2006, 8:59pm
The Senate today approved language to extend the term of the special inspector who has been overseeing reconstruction in Iraq. Stuart Bowen has held the job since October 2004 and would continue in the role at least through late 2008, if the legislation is enacted.
The extension was approved as an amendment to legislation that would authorize military construction projects in fiscal 2007. It would overturn language in the fiscal 2007 defense authorization bill that would have terminated the office by Oct. 1, 2007.
The extension encompasses language of a bill introduced by several senators to extend the office’s authorization until 10 months after 80 percent of the Iraq reconstruction money has been spent. “That will ensure continuing aggressive oversight of American tax dollars in Iraq,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a co-sponsor of the bill.
Sens. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., and Russell Feingold, D-Wis., were among the other co-sponsors. They joined Collins in praising the Senate’s action.
Coleman: “The special inspector general was a good idea when it began. It was a mistake to terminate its authority. It needs to be continued. … Until taxpayer dollars are finished being spent in Iraq, we need oversight.”
Collins: “The IG’s office has exposed numerous cases of waste, fraud and abuse. It’s work has led directly to convictions. And it is simply inconceivable to me that this office would be eliminated before its work is done.”
Feingold: “The need continues. And if we have this premature termination of the program on an artificial date of next year, we’re going to lose a lot of accountability and oversight for taxpayers. … This is something that has actually gone right, and it would be a real serious mistake to undo it prematurely.”
Categories: Senate, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Susan Collins, Russell Feingold, Iraq, Norm Coleman
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