Rep. Gwen Moore Statement on MEJA Legislation

Statement

Rep. Gwen Moore Statement on MEJA Legislation

Congresswoman Gwen Moore issued the following statement as the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA) comes before the House today, addressing the misconduct of Blackwater contract security forces in Iraq. MEJA ensures that all government contractors are held accountable under current U.S. criminal law and gives the FBI the authority to enforce MEJA by investigating and prosecuting offenses under the law.

"The reports of misconduct by Blackwater security forces are extremely troubling and give us yet another clear cut reason to demand oversight and accountability in Iraq.

"How do you expect to win the support of Iraqis when private contract security forces are engaged in unacceptable and dangerous conduct that has left innocent Iraqi civilians dead?

"We shouldn't be in Iraq in the first place. But as long as the President keeps our troops stuck policing an escalating civil war in Iraq, we must not allow private contract security forces to run wild without holding them accountable for their actions. This bill would bring these federal government contractors back into our justice system and provide a much needed system of accountability."

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