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| Monday, August 04, 2008 |
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2009 Intelligence Authorization Act
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<Cross-posted from Daily Kos>
Two weeks ago, the House passed the 2009 Intelligence Authorization Act. For the first time, the bill contained oversight measures calling for an inspector general, and strict restrictions on the use of contractors in interrogations. Unfortunately, the very reform measures that I sponsored are cited by the Administration as examples of why they would veto the bill. Currently, the bill is languishing in the Senate, and serves as a reminder of not only why we need to elect a Democratic President, but how important it will be to elect members of the House and Senate to help key progressive legislation from getting scuttled.
No sooner did the House of Representatives pass the 2009 Intelligence Authorization Act, the Administration threatened to veto it. As a member of the Intelligence Committee I found the “Statement of Administration Policy” a rather tidy compilation of all the reasons that I was able to vote for it.
The bill passed on July 16 by a voice vote and was the product of bi-partisan agreement in the committee.
First on the list of reasons that the President’s senior advisors “recommend[ed] that he veto the bill” was a provision that I wrote prohibiting the interrogation of detainees by private contractors. It seemed to me, as it did to Democrats and Republicans on the committee, that the individuals carrying out the intensely sensitive role of interrogating detainees in the “War on Terror”, minimally ought to be CIA employees, wearing the badge of the United States of America, part of the chain of command, and held strictly accountable for their actions. I even included a waiver that would have allowed the use of contractors in situations that required a special skill not available from a U.S. employee. Yet the Administration “strongly object[ed]” and said that “even with the waiver authority, this provision would impose a significant impediment to the timely and effective collection of critical intelligence.”
I have been focusing much of my work in Congress on the use, or rather, misuse of private contractors, and have introduced legislation, the SOS or Stop Outsourcing our Security Act to phase out their use. Blackwater is, of course, the poster child for misconduct (outright murder?), but it is not alone. Many of the most critical and sensitive functions are being conducted by private, for-profit companies raising the question of who is really in charge in a combat zone – the Combatant Commander or the CEO? But more on that at a later date.
Number two on the Administration’s list of egregious provisions in the Intelligence Bill is one to create an Inspector General for the Intelligence Community. Heaven forbid!
Next they objected to the requirement that the CIA Inspector General conduct an audit of each covert action program at least every 3 years and submit those audits to the Intelligence Committees. Among other things, this rationale was offered: “This provision conflicts with the President’s authority to control dissemination of classified information…” Yes, that’s their attitude, and that’s why I often learn more from CNN or the New York Times and definitely more by reading Sy Hersh than from our closed and classified hearings.
They really hated one of my favorite parts of the bill. Our committee voted to “withhold 75% of the funding for covert action programs until the Administration provides much greater access to highly sensitive national security information to all members of the congressional intelligence committees.” Providing such information to our committee, they whined, would “undermine the fundamental compact between the Congress and the President on reporting highly sensitive intelligence matters.” Problem is, the President’s view of that “compact” appears to be that he doesn’t have to tell us anything, ever.
Along the same lines, the Administration objected to a section of the bill asking them to provide information about “pre-decisional legal opinions, risk assessments, and cost estimates” of various intelligence activities. This might include legal opinions on issues like the use of torture -- er I mean, “enhanced interrogation techniques” or domestic spying. Our interest in such information they describe as “micromanagement.”
Those were the principle objections, but they had “other concerns” such as requiring a comprehensive report on compliance with the Detainee Treatment Act and semiannual reports on the nuclear programs of Iran, Syria and North Korea. They don’t want to have to tell the committee about intelligence information relating to North Korea or China and they don’t want to have to prepare a National Intelligence Estimate on Syrian WMD programs. And, as usual they did not want to report annually on contractor levels for each element of the Intelligence Community.
At the end of the day, the Administration believes that it can do anything and everything it wants to without informing the Congress of the United States, much less seeking the authority to do it. As you can imagine, being on the Intelligence Committee can be a very frustrating which is exactly what the President is aiming for.
It will be refreshing to have a President who respects the Constitution and the Rule of Law. We can count on President Obama to do just that. I am counting the days and working to make that happen.
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Monday, July 14, 2008 |
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9th Congressional District Rally
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ELECT BARACK OBAMA:
YES WE CAN!
PROMOTE THE PROGRESSIVE AGENDA BY ELECTING PROGRESSIVE DEMS: YES WE CAN!
GET INVOLVED IN THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION OF OUR TIME:
YES WE CAN!
The 9th CD Steering Committee invites you to join us on Sunday, July 27th at 2pm at the Broadway Armory 5917 N. Broadway in Chicago, as we lay out a plan for grassroots action that will lead to victory for the Democrats this fall.
Senior members of the Obama campaign will be on hand to provide a behind the scenes analysis of the National Campaign Strategy and ways in which you can help make Senator Obama our next President.
The Obama campaign has asked us to assist in Davenport and Dubuque Iowa. In 2004, grassroots volunteers and local party organizations led the way to the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin to help John Kerry. This year our participation can help to deliver another important swing state. Four years ago John Kerry lost Iowa by what amounted to five votes per precinct. This year we can make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Closer to home, we have many exciting races here in Illinois. On the state legislative level, we have contests featuring exciting young Progressive candidates like State Senator Dan Kotowski, running for re-election, and Aurora Austriaco and Daniel Biss running for State Rep. On the Federal level, Dan Seals is running in the 10th District, in what will be one of the most competitive races in the United States.
This will also be an opportunity to meet your local Democratic Party officials and learn how you can make a difference in your own neighborhood by registering voters and talking to your neighbors.
Please let us know if you can attend, or have any questions, please e-mail 9thcdforobama@gmail.com
To RSVP by phone, please call 847-491-0865.
We hope to see you on the 27th
The 9th Congressional District Steering Committee:
Co-Chairs: Brandon Neese and Ann Kalayil
Honorary Chair: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky
State Central Committeeman Billy Marovitz and
State Central Committeewoman Carol Ronen
The 9th Congressional District Steering Committee:
Evanston - Senator Jeff Schoenberg
New Trier - Bill Crowley
Niles - Representative Lou Lang
Maine - Alderman Laura Murphy
40th Ward – Pat O’Connor
41st Ward - Mary O’Connor
44th Ward – Alderman Tom Tunney
46th Ward - Tom Sharpe
48th Ward - Carol Ronen
49th Ward - David Fagus
50th Ward - Senator Ira Silverstein
Grassroots Steering Committee (In formation)
Alex Armour
Bob Bartell
Margaret Blackshere
Greg Brewer
Karen Boehning
Eric Brilliant
Kelly Cassidy
Tom Chaderjian
John Cameron
Jacqueline DeLeon
Wayne Frazier
Jim Ginderske
Thom Hoffman
Katy Hogan
Rick Ingram
Lionel Jean-Baptiste
Ann Kalayil
Eamon Kelly
Bennett Lawson
Ted Loda
Brandon Neese
Bob Remer
Befekadu Retta
Commissioner Debra Shore
Pramod Shah
Leo Smith
Lauren Strzepek
Commissioner Larry Suffredin
Kay Tamillow
Mark Tendam
Mayor George Van Dusen
Sandra Verthein
Jennifer Walling
Bill Weeks
Leah Yarrow
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Friday, June 13, 2008 |
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Stop Outsourcing Security
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<Cross-Posted on Daily Kos>
This is my first DailyKos posting and I'm really pleased to be joining this vibrant on-line community.
One of the more disturbing developments nurtured by the Bush Administration has been the outsourcing of the "business" of war. The truly big winners of the "War on Terror" and the U.S. occupation of Iraq are military contractors like Halliburton. Cheney's former company is raking in billions of dollars for various service contracts in Iraq, including food that was never served, water that was contaminated, tents that made soldiers sick.
Of even greater concern to me has been the role of private military contractors and Blackwater Worldwide in particular. Blackwater is a privately held company whose heavily armed employees are serving as security mainly for the State Department and whose employees have been involved in some of the deadliest blunders in Iraq. Though the Iraqis want Blackwater out, their billion dollar plus contract has been renewed for another year.
I have introduced comprehensive legislation called the Stop Outsourcing Security, or SOS, Act, HR4102 which would remove private security contractors from Iraq within six months and phase out all private contractors engaged in mission critical activities in combat zones. That legislation has not moved from committee, but I and some of my colleagues passed amendments to the Defense Authorization Act in the House to ban the use of private contractors in interrogations and to limit the use of these mercenaries in combat zones. The Senate is now considering these amendments but the Bush Administration has promised to veto any bill that has these provisions – yet another reason that we must elect Barack Obama in November and work to elect progressives at every level.
I was recently interviewed by Truthout on this subject. Take a look at the video and let me know what you think.
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Saturday, June 07, 2008 |
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The Democratic Nominee
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Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee for President of the United States of America.
Of course you all know that, but I am still processing the enormity of that simple truth.
First of all, it is OUR Barack Obama that is likely to be President, the fellow we've known for over a decade as
a State Senator, our US Senator, a Hyde Parker who you might see in the neighborhood with his kids or maybe working out at the East Bank Club.
Stepping back now from the intensity of the primary, it's worth letting sink in just how momentous this really is. Our Barack Obama has already written a new chapter in history as the first American of African descent to be chosen by the voters of a major party as their nominee for President.
For months now, my favorite fantasy has been to picture January 20, 2009, when Barack Obama stands on the platform on the West Side of the U.S. Capitol with George W. and Laura Bush and Dick and Lynn Cheney. I see Barack stepping forward, along with beautiful Michelle, Malia and Sasha, raising his hand and taking the oath of office. I can practically hear his voice. Even before he makes his inaugural address, one that I feel sure will be included among the best with those of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Kennedy, the narrative about the United States dramatically shifts. People around the world are rejoicing. On the lawn of the capitol and cities and villages across our country, Americans are standing taller, prouder and yes, they are feeling hopeful about the future.
I sat on that same platform as a relatively new member of Congress on January 20, 2000. It was a rainy day, thank goodness, because I was crying when George Bush rather than Al Gore, who was also there, stepped forward to take the oath of office. I know I will be crying next year too, but this time with joy and anticipation and a strong dose of relief.
Am I getting ahead of myself? Absolutely! My fantasy will be just that if we don't roll up our sleeves and get back to work. As one of the National Co-Chairs of the campaign, I look forward to that. But it is fun to begin to contemplate the consequences of what will be an astonishing victory. It is exciting to envision the nearly unlimited opportunities that will spread out before us for a more peaceful and just country and world in which the best is yet to come.
And I also want to congratulate Hillary Clinton on a historic and hard fought campaign. Her campaign broke incredible new ground, and by waging a vigorous campaign all across the country, she brought out many new Democratic voters. She has made Obama an even stronger candidate, in a better position to take on John McCain in November. I will be part of the outreach to Hillary supporters and would welcome any suggestions and help from those of you who are among them
I look forward to making this journey over the next five months with you. Thanks to all of you who have helped make this happen. Watch this website for more opportunities to be part of this thrilling and historic adventure.
Jan Schakowsky
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Sunday, January 27, 2008 |
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Endorsements for the February 5th Primary Election
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As you head to the polls on Tuesday, February 5th, or take advantage of Early Voting (available until January 31st) , there are a number of exceptional candidates that I'm supporting in contested Democratic Primaries election, and I hope you'll consider supporting them too.
2008 is the year for change; voters here in Illinois will have a historic opportunity to help send Barack Obama to the White House. Right here in Cook County, we have our own candidates that are challenging the status quo, like Larry Suffredin, Ed Smith, Jay Paul Deratany, and Alan Greiman. Join me on February 5th by casting your ballot for change!
- (#1) Presidential Preference - Barack Obama
- (#8) U.S. Senate - Richard J. Durbin
- (#9) U.S. Congress - Jan Schakowsky
- (#9) U.S. Congress - Dan Seals (10th District)
- (#19) DNC Delegate Selection - Jesus "Al" Alvarez,
- (#20) DNC Delegate Selection - Henry Bayer
- (#21) DNC Delegate Selection - Selma D'Souza,
- (#22) DNC Delegate Selection - Ann Kalayil
- (#23) DNC Delegate Selection - Debra Shore
- (#24) DNC Delegate Selection - Tom Tunney
- (#31) DNC Alternate - Naisy Dolar
- (#35) 7th State Senate - Heather Steans
- (#45) Water Reclamation Commissioner - Mariyana T. Spyropoulos
- (#48) Water Reclamation Commissioner - Dean T. Maragos
- (#59) Cook County State's Attorney - Larry Suffredin
- (#64) Recorder of Deeds - Ed H. Smith
- (#67) Board of Review, 2nd District - Jay Paul Deratany
- (#70) Appellate Court 1st District (Burke Vacancy) - Alan J. Greiman
- (#73) Appellate Court 1st District (Campbell Vacancy) - John O. Steele
- (#100) Circuit Court Judge Full Circuit - Michael B. Hyman
- (#104) Circuit Court Judge Full Circuit - Joan Powell
- (#107) Circuit Court Judge 10th Subcircuit - (Kowalsk Vacancy) - James Edward Snyder
- (#111) Circuit Court Judge 10th Subcircuit - (Morrissey Vacancy) - Diana L. Kenworthy
- (#119) 50th Ward Democratic Committeman - Ira I. Silverstein
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Thursday, November 29, 2007 |
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Jan on Bill O'Reilly
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Robert Greenwald, independent filmmaker behind Brave New Films, covers Congresswoman Schakowsky's appearance this week on Bill O'Reilly's cable "news" show in the Brave New Films blog:
O'Reilly, like most republicans and people with short memories, thinks the surge escalation is a rousing success, despite the fact that it has failed to accomplish the goal of the surge escalation — creating political reconciliation and a functioning Iraqi government. How is a military escalation supposed to peacefully resolve centuries of conflict and heal the scars from decades of violent oppression?
Watch the video:
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Tuesday, November 13, 2007 |
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The Nation: 'All' Cowboys Out Now
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Jeremey Scahill, writer of the bestselling Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, writes in the November 26th issue of the Nation on Congresswoman Schakowsky's efforts to phase out the use of armed security contractors like Blackwater.
Jan Schakowsky is one of the few members of Congress who have made confronting the radically privatized war machine a legislative priority. Even before Blackwater operatives gunned down seventeen Iraqis and wounded some twenty-four others in Baghdad in September, propelling the issue of private forces to front-page news, Schakowsky had mercenaries in her scope. Now she is introducing legislation that seeks to end the use of companies like Blackwater in US war zones by 2009. Her Stop Outsourcing Security (SOS) Act "would mandate that all diplomatic security in Iraq be undertaken by U.S. government personnel within 6 months of enactment." It would also allow Congress to view any current security contract greater than $5 million and require government agencies and the military to report the number of contractors employed in Iraq and Afghanistan, any disciplinary actions taken against them, the total cost of the contracts and the number of contractors wounded or killed. "Private contracting companies have forfeited their right to represent the United States," says Schakowsky, asserting that they "put our troops in harm's way, and resulted in the unnecessary deaths of many innocent Iraqi civilians. They have become a liability instead of an asset."
<Click here to read the article.>
Click to listen to coverage from Democracy Now.
The Washington Post also covered the Stop Outsourcing Security Act (SOS).
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Thursday, November 01, 2007 |
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HufPo: Congresswoman Moves To Ban Private Security Contractors
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Michael Roston of the Huffington Post covers Congresswoman Schakowsky's ongoing effort to put an end to Blackwater and other Private Military Contractors.
The congressional vice-grip is tightening on Blackwater and other contracted defense firms.
Next Wednesday, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) will introduce legislation to phase out the use of tens of thousands of private security contractors deployed on battlefields where American troops are present. The Stop Outsourcing Security Act intends to effectively put Blackwater and their ilk out of business.
"After 9/11 we thought airport security was so important that it shouldn't be contracted out and we created the Transportation Security Administration," said Peter Karafotas, a spokesman for the Congresswoman. "The writing's on the wall that Blackwater needs to go, and contracting is on its way out."
Private contractors should not be used "for functions that should be reserved for U.S. military forces," Schakowsky argued in a "dear colleague" letter to fellow House members earlier this month. Half a dozen fellow members of Congress, including Reps. Bob Fillner (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-WA), and Nick Rahall (D-WV), have since signed on as co-sponsors, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) may introduce a companion measure in the Senate.
Schakowsky acknowledges that the security contractors could not be given their walking papers immediately, since "our armed forces have been so overtaxed" and now rely on their assistance.
(Click here to read the article.)
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 0 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Tuesday, October 23, 2007 |
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Canvass for Barack in Iowa
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Get on the Bus for Barack! Canvass in Iowa!
Please join local Obama supporters on Saturday, November 3rd as we travel from Evanston to Cedar Rapids in the key state of Iowa for a full day of fun and campaigning. Transportation will be provided. Vans will depart from the Democratic Party of Evanston at 826 Custer at 7:00 AM on Saturday, and return later in the evening.
The Northside helped put Barack on the map during his historic run for the Primary, now the Obama campaign needs it’s passionate supporters to travel to Iowa, and talk to voters in the early Caucus state. We know that Barack is the type of leader this country needs, and we know that his vision of transcendent politics can transform our Country. Let’s share our enthusiasm for the campaign with those people who are going to be the first in the Nation to Caucus for a Presidential candidate.
Sign Up to Canvass for Barack in Iowa on November 3rd!
Here is a note from Ted Loda, who has traveled several times to canvass for Barack in Iowa:
Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of talking to Iowa voters about why I support Barack Obama for President. The message of change and hope which Barack's candidacy represents has been well received. As the date of the Iowa Canvass draws near, we need to re-double our efforts to get this message to more Iowa voters.
Be assured if you agree to canvass that you will be supported by a staff of knowledgeable, well-organized and relentless men and women in Iowa who will do their best to make this a memorable experience. As is the case for many of you, I have been participating in the electoral process for many years. Be assured that if you join me in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, November 3rd, your effort will be appreciated.
Please join us on November 3rd, one year before the 2008 election, as we lay the groundwork for the Obama Administration.
Sign up now, as space is limited for transportation, For more information, please call Alex at 847-491-0865.
Get on the Bus for Barack: Travel to Iowa for Barack!
Saturday, November 3rd
Vans Depart at 7 AM from the Democratic Party of Evanston
826 Custer Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
Contact Alex at 847-491-0865 for more information.
If you would like to volunteer, but can't make it that Saturday, please join us next Monday, October 29th. We will be making phone calls to Obama supporters in the area to let them know about the trip to Iowa.
Phonebanking for Barack
Monday, October 29th, 5:30 PM
Democratic Party of Evanston
826 Custer, Evanston, IL 60202
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 1 Comments :: Click to Read |
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| Sunday, October 14, 2007 |
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Washington Post: Hoping to Keep the fight Alive
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Sunday, October 7, 2007; A08
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) started pressing for greater congressional scrutiny of private contractors in Iraq not long after the war began. Last week she got lots of company.
The House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed legislation to hold firms such as Blackwater USA accountable under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act for possible criminal misconduct. Co-sponsored by Schakowsky, the bill included her proposal to require the Justice Department to disclose to Congress the number of complaints filed against contractors, the number of investigations it has initiated and the number of criminal cases it has opened, along with the results of those cases.
The 389 to 30 vote came despite White House opposition and amid rising alarm in Congress about potential contractor abuses after the Sept. 16 shooting by Blackwater personnel in Baghdad that left at least 14 Iraqi civilians dead.
Schakowsky saw the potential for scandal long ago. In April 2006, she wrote a letter to President Bush asking him to explain how his administration was holding private military contractors accountable. At that point, 25,000 U.S. contractors were employed in Iraq. Now the number is roughly 180,000.
"Finally it's really broken through," Schakowsky said of the expanding role of contractors. "And I think once the Pandora's box is opened here about what these people are doing, I don't think it's going to end."
(Click to read the article.)
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Posted by Jan Schakowsky :: 1 Comments :: Click to Read |
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Cost of the War in Iraq
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Help Soldiers Injured in Iraq and Afghanistan:
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