WASHINGTON - The national intelligence reauthorization bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week tries to rein in intelligence contractors who deal with detainees.

The provisions, written in part by U.S. Rep. David Price, would bar contractors from interrogating detainees.

The bill, which passed the House on Wednesday and now goes to the Senate, would require a detailed report to Congress about the use, cost and training of intelligence contractors. It would also require the director of national intelligence to assess whether contractors are being appropriately used.

Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, wrote it with U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Illinois Democrat and member of the House Intelligence Committee.

Price pushed through language prohibiting defense contractors from interrogating detainees, and now he's extending his efforts to contractors in the intelligence community, such as those working with the CIA.

"Interrogations should be carried out by individuals who are well-trained, fall within a clear chain of command, and have a sworn loyalty to the United States -- not by corporate, for-profit contractors," Price said in a statement.

The White House cited Price's contractor-oversight provisions among its top reasons for why President Bush ought to veto the bill.

According to the White House's statement, released just before Wednesday's vote, "The Administration strongly objects to the requirement in section 425 that would prohibit the participation of contractors in lawful interrogations conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) even under the direct supervision of a CIA employee."

That's the provision Price included.

The White House said that "in some cases, a contractor may possess the best combination of skills and experience needed to collect vital information."

Just this week, Price pursued an investigation of one potential intelligence contractor, Aero Contractors of Johnston County.

On Wednesday, Price asked the chairmen of two House intelligence panels to look into whether Aero is involved in the secret, cross-border transportation of detainees to countries known to torture suspects, a practice known as extraordinary rendition.

His request came in response to constituents who raised concerns about the company.

Price said he wants to know whether such renditions are taking place, whether the CIA is using private contractors for renditions, whether Aero is involved and what legislation might be needed to end the practice.