Defense Bill Includes Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Repeal, Greater Oversight Of Contractors In Afghanistan

(Sunday) May 30, 2010

Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, hailed the inclusion of key policy changes in the FY’11 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House Friday, May 28.

The House took an historic, victorious vote for civil rights and equality by including a provision in the authorization bill repealing the military’s discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy once the Pentagon completes its year-long review on how to implement repeal.

“Maintaining an antiquated policy barring citizens from serving in the military based on sexual orientation is counterproductive and harmful to our national security,” Moran said. “Today’s House passage crosses a major hurdle to finally relegate this misguided policy to the dustbin of history.”

The Congressman has a long history of fighting for repeal of DADT, most recently spearheading a drive to show America the human face of the failed policy by highlighting discharge data showing the specialties and years of service provided by service members kicked out by the military.

Moran also spearheaded a provision in the bill, along with Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) that will strengthen oversight of armed security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan and eliminate a tax loophole that has been used by the defense contracting firm Blackwater, now known as “Xe”.

“This amendment will require the Defense Department to improve its woeful oversight of private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Moran. “Increased oversight is vital if we are going to reach any degree of measurable success.”

The measure also closes a tax loophole currently being exploited by US contractors operating in Afghanistan. By classifying workers in Afghanistan as “independent contractors” rather than employees, Blackwater, now going by the name ‘Xe,’ appears to have avoided tens of millions in employment-related taxes. The change is expected to generate millions in lost federal revenue. This has allowed Blackwater to underbid other competitors that abide by U.S. labor and tax codes.