WASHINGTON, DC – Today the House of Representatives considered legislation introduced by Ranking Member Ike Skelton (MO) designed to prevent the unnecessary termination of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR).

 

 

“Today is a good day for the American taxpayer.   This bill is vital to ensuring that the good work of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) will continue.   That is not a partisan issue, and I am glad to see that this bill has bipartisan support.

 

“The SIGIR has been given a unique mandate by Congress. Billions of taxpayer dollars have been committed to our efforts in Iraq.   The SIGIR has done a remarkable job providing constructive and aggressive oversight of these activities, with an estimated savings of $405 million so far.   I am confident that those savings will only increase as a result of this bill.

 

“More work must be done to ensure the oversight of all taxpayer dollars invested in Iraq, particularly those used for Iraqi security forces.  I will work to make certain that the SIGIR’s mandate covers all such appropriate funds during the 110 th Congress.

 

 “During consideration of the Defense Authorization bill this year, Chairman Hunter agreed to expand the jurisdiction of the SIGIR to include reconstruction funds approved by Congress in 2006.   At the same time, the conference decided to change the termination date of the SIGIR to October 1, 2007.   Although, I disagreed with this decision, it was done in an open and fair manner during the regular course of conference discussions, and I want to recognize the fact that Chairman Hunter always approached this issue in an upfront and honorable way.   I am pleased that we are able to work together today to pass this bill.”

 

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