Oversight Committee advances Welch bill banning contractors convicted of bribery

Press Release

The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday passed legislation authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) that would ban individuals and companies convicted of bribing foreign officials from contracting with the federal government.

Welch's Overseas Contractor Reform Act (H.R. 5366), which was approved by the committee with a voice vote, will now move to a full vote in the House. The legislation would automatically debar federal contractors convicted under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits American companies and individuals from unlawfully influencing foreign officials.

"This vote is a step towards restoring accountability and transparency to the federal contracting process," Welch said. "When contractors like Blackwater violate the rule of law, they undermine not only our nation's mission and values, but also the safety of our troops. Such companies have no business profiting off American contracts."

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