White House opposes Price on Iraq contractors

WASHINGTON -- The White House "strongly opposes" U.S. Rep. David Price's bill bringing private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan under U.S. criminal code.

Among the bill's provisions are setting up FBI investigators in Iraq and Afghanistan to investigate suspected crimes by private security contractors.

In a statement this morning, the Bush administration said it has "grave concerns" about the bill but supports accountability and would be willing to work with Congress to change the legislation.

Among its concerns, the White House calls the bill "vague" about who would be subject to U.S. law, resulting in "extreme litigation."

It says the bill's outcome could threaten ongoing national security activities abroad.

It also says forcing the FBI to operate overseas infringes on the powers of the executive branch. And it says the bill would burden the Department of Defense, forcing that agency to help the FBI even as it conducts a war.

"It is essential that these concerns with H.R. 2740 be remedied," the statement concludes. "The Administration welcomes the opportunity to discuss these important issues further with Congress."

Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, has argued that private security contractors are acting without accountability, and his work has gained new attention in the wake of the Blackwater USA shooting in Baghdad last month. At least 11 Iraqis died in the incident.

Blackwater president Erik Prince defended his workers Tuesday on Capitol Hill, but he also said he supported Price's legislation and welcomed clarity on accountability.

Price's bill is scheduled to be debated and voted on this afternoon in the full House of Representatives.