CBO: Scale of contract operations in Iraq is unprecedented (Iraq War: $1 out of $5 to contractors)

[The Straight Story]

CBO: Scale of contract operations in Iraq is unprecedented
By Robert Brodsky [email protected] August 12, 2008

One out of every $5 the U.S. government has spent on the war in Iraq has gone to contractors, and the ratio of contract workers to troops is higher than in any previous major armed conflict, according to a report released on Tuesday.

The study by the Congressional Budget Office found that from 2003 through 2007, the Defense Department and other federal agencies awarded about $85 billion in Iraq contracts, representing about 20 percent of total spending on Iraq operations. Iraq contract spending is expected to reach $100 billion by the end of the Bush administration.

The chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, which requested the report, expressed sticker shock.

"The Bush administration's move to outsource large portions of the Iraq war effort sets a dangerous precedent," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D. "The increasing use of private contractors restricts accountability and oversight, opens the door to corruption and abuse, and in some instances, may significantly increase the cost to American taxpayers."

Most of the contracts have been for logistical support, construction, oil and food. The most expensive is the Army's Logistics Civil Augmentation umbrella support services contract, which supplies troops with a range of services, including meals, mail, laundry and sanitation.

http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40702&dcn=todaysnews

[DJ13]

1. GOP crony corporate welfare

People die so they can excuse shoveling money to their supporters.