Thompson Introduces War Funding Accountability Act

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) announced the introduction of the War Funding Accountability Act at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol today. The bill would require the administration to account for the money it is spending on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “We need to support our troops and ensure that they have the resources needed to do their job,” Rep. Thompson said. “This bill will make certain that Congress exercises its oversight responsibility and accounts for the $82 billion supplemental appropriation that the president has requested for Iraq and Afghanistan. Congress can't continue writing blank checks to the administration.” The War Funding Accountability Act would ensure that troops are receiving the supplies and equipment they need, require the administration to seek additional international support and require the administration to report to Congress on the progress being made in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thompson said the legislation would help reduce wasteful spending by the Pentagon and price gouging by contractors working on the reconstruction of Iraq. The costs of reconstruction could be greatly reduced if rebuilding contracts are given to the Iraqi people rather than international companies. In one instance U.S. contractors estimated it would cost $15 million to rebuild a cement factory, Iraqis were able to complete the project for only $80,000. The Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic members of Congress voted to endorse the measure and members of the group joined Thompson at today's press conference. They highlighted the fact that the administration failed to include the $82 billion request in the standard budget which was released last week. “This is not an emergency request, the President knew that we would need additional funding for Iraq but he didn't include it in his budget,” Thompson said. “This is a slap in the face to the American taxpayer.” # # #