Statement on U.S. Knowledge of Al Qaqaa Weapons Looting

Pelosi Statement on U.S. Knowledge of Al Qaqaa Weapons Looting

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on media reports that U.S. troops witnessed looting at the Al Qaqaa but were powerless to stop it:

"Media reports that U.S. troops witnessed the looting of the Al Qaqaa ammunition depot in April 2003 and informed their superiors, but were powerless to stop it because they did not receive the reinforcements they requested are the latest blows to the Defense Department's credibility.

"The fact these reports come to light just two days after a national election in which the missing explosives were at issue raises serious questions: how long has the Bush Administration been aware of these eyewitness accounts of looting? Why was the existence of this information, which so clearly contradicted public explanations given by Pentagon officials, kept from the American people?

"The American people deserve the truth. Congress must convene hearings during the lame duck session this month to determine whether the Administration spent more effort in concealing the truth than in making sure that material that could threaten U.S. troops did not fall into the hands of insurgents or terrorists."