Washington, Dec 12, 2003 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) issued the following statement today on recent news reports that Halliburton has overcharged the government $61 million on its huge no-bid contract for distribution of fuel in Iraq:

“The fact that Halliburton was allowed to gouge the American taxpayer to the tune of $61 million on a no bid contract is outrageous. Now, more than ever, it is clear that this Administration must turn over all reconstruction contracts to the United Nations.

“The US taxpayers should not foot the bill for this Administration’s failed polices. To end the looting of the US treasury by firms such as Halliburton it is time to get the UN in and the US out of Iraq. The current US occupation of Iraq is counterproductive and must end.

“We must immediately seek a new resolution from the UN to send an international force to Iraq and to allow the UN to handle the transition to Iraqi self governance. This is the only way to ensure peace and security in the region.”