Daniel Akaka: “I rise today to discuss the alarming incidence of U.S. contract funds being abused in Iraq. These violations range from…”

“I rise today to discuss the alarming incidence of U.S. contract funds being abused in Iraq. These violations range from the abandonment of vehicles, each worth $85,000, to significant project overruns involving tens of millions of tax dollars. The scope of these wasteful and fraudulent activities is both disturbing and unacceptable. At this critical juncture in Iraq's rehabilitation, contractors and their administrators should be providing contracted services and goods with maximum efficiency. As an American, I am proud of and thankful of the men and women who have traveled to Iraq to help restore this country. They risk their lives and, sadly, some have given their lives. However, stories of outright waste and fraud involving contract funds are deeply disturbing. Three themes have emerged from the abuse of U.S. contracts in Iraq: task order violations, the absence of cost controls, and inconsistent oversight. Numerous contract officers have used existing procurement or task orders to obtain services and goods beyond the scope of approved contracts.”