Murphy's Blackwater Bill Signed Into Law

Press Release

Today, President Bush signed into law the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which includes a provision authored by Congressman Chris Murphy (CT - 5) to increase the transparency of government contracts with private defense firms, such as Blackwater. Previously, private companies that do the vast majority of their business with the federal government were not required to disclose any information about the massive profits and CEO salaries essentially being paid for by the taxpayers.

"With my legislation becoming law, the days of the taxpayer not knowing who is profiting off of this war will end. Government contractors, such as Blackwater, which have flourished as we've stretched our military across multiple fronts, should be required to disclose the profits they are making from American taxpayers. Our work here is far from done, but this is a key step in the fight to oversee how the American taxpayers' money is being spent," said Murphy.

The "New G.I. Bill" was also included in the supplemental, renewing the promise of the full cost of a college education to our veterans. Until the passage of this bill, rising tuition costs and static government funding had limited access to higher education for veterans - especially members of the National Guard and Reservists, many of whom have been deployed multiple times in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Updating the GI Bill is long overdue, so I am thrilled that we were able to get this legislation enacted. It renews our commitment to our men and women in uniform, their families, and the future of our economy," said Murphy.

The legislation also included provisions that will provide a 13 week extension of unemployment benefits for those workers who are unable to find a job in today's struggling economy.

Source