FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 03, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Reconstruction Effort in Iraq Has Been One of Bush Administration’s Greatest Failures

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on news reports that the office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq has received orders to shut down:

“One of the Bush Administration’s greatest failures in Iraq has been the poorly conceived and ineptly managed reconstruction effort.  No one knows how much of the $21 billion in U.S. funds made available for reconstruction has gone to projects that were never completed, or that were done so badly that they will have to be done again.  What is known is that the botched reconstruction effort, with its no-bid contracts to Halliburton and other companies, is making our troops’ job of securing Iraq more difficult and more dangerous.

“Efforts by the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to uncover instances of waste, fraud, and abuse in reconstruction projects have been exceptionally valuable.  Republican leaders in Congress are turning a blind eye to the realities on the ground by insisting that the office be closed rather than pushing for desperately needed change in Iraq.  

“Democrats want the inspector general to stay at work until the job is done; those individuals and companies responsible for shoddy work or fraudulent billing practices must be held accountable.  Extending the tenure of the inspector general will be a priority for the new Congress.  It is time for a new direction in Iraq.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi