Private-security lobby backs Price (D-NC) bill overseeing Security contractors-WHY?

[mod mom]

From TPM Muck:

Today's Must Read
By Spencer Ackerman - October 4, 2007, 9:23AM
-SNIP

But other absurdities linger.

Today the House is expected to vote on a bill pushed by Rep. David Price (D-NC) that would, among other things, bring State Department security contractors -- Blackwater, Triple Canopy and DynCorp -- under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, thereby clarifying that they would be subject to U.S. criminal penalties for wrongdoing (according to U.S. law) committed overseas. The bill has the support of the private-security industry and is less strict than rival legislation supported by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). (Price represents Blackwater's home state of North Carolina.)

But that's not stopping the White House from opposing Price's bill.

In a statement this morning, the Bush administration said it has "grave concerns" about the bill but supports accountability and would be willing to work with Congress to change the legislation.
Among its concerns, the White House calls the bill "vague" about who would be subject to U.S. law, resulting in "extreme litigation."
It says the bill's outcome could threaten ongoing national security activities abroad.
It also says forcing the FBI to operate overseas infringes on the powers of the executive branch. And it says the bill would burden the Department of Defense, forcing that agency to help the FBI even as it conducts a war.


You would think that the private-security lobby would be the ones most concerned about "extreme litigation," but apparently the White House knows better.

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004373.php


DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY THE PRIVATE SECUIRTY LOBBY WOULD BACK THIS BILL? COULD IT POSSIBLY BE THAT THEY WOULD PREFER TO FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES IN US AS OPPOSED TO FACING THE CHARGES IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THE CRIMINAL ACT TAKES PLACE? ARE THEY AFRAID OF WAR CRIMES? I don't know-just asking.

[Tesla]

1. That way your looking here, and not somewhere else they are moving operations to.

The new Company will be out of Dubai.

[mod mom]

2. So Blackwater is moving to Dubai? Will they be exempt from all criminal action there?

they probably won't have to pay taxes there as well-more raping of the American taxpayer at the hands of 8 cronies it sounds like.

[mod mom]

4. Do you have a link on the move to Dubai or are you speculating?

[Tesla]

6. I know Haliburton is moving there already...

I'm speculating about ALL of the War Criminals


Halliburton Will Move HQ to Dubai
Halliburton Will Shift Headquarters From Houston to Mideast Financial Powerhouse of Dubai


http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=2941931

[mod mom]

7. Congress should pass legislation limiting contracts to US firms especially in areas

of nationalsecurity like this. It is outrageous that they are exempt from taxes and criminal activity.

[Donnachaidh]

3. well, would you prefer a slap on the wrist and a warning to *play nice*

Or a public beheading?

I think you've hit on a major point. They KNOW we'll do nothing, as long as the dirty deed is done elsewhere.

[mod mom]

5. David Price is a Dem from NC-the state where Blackwater is currently based

This bill is said to be coming up for a vote-should it be opposed? Is the Obama backed legislation better? Anyone know details?