Washington, D.C. – The Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) today released its latest audit of U.S. government contracts in Iraq, entitled “Cost, Outcome, and Oversight of Oil Reconstruction Contract with Kellogg Brown & Root Services, Inc.” The report examines a contract awarded to Kellogg Brown & Root Services, Inc. (KBR) in rebuilding oil infrastructure in the southern region of Iraq.
Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, released the following response:
“The Special Inspector General has proven to be a much-needed watchdog, auditing reconstruction contracts in Iraq and uncovering millions of dollars worth of fraud, waste, and abuse in Iraq. This latest report demonstrates why it is critical that the SIGIR have auditors and inspectors on the ground and why I so strongly supported the creation and continuation of this important office.
“The report cites a familiar and troubling litany of poor planning, insufficient security, and the failure of the Iraqi government to protect and maintain facilities. For reconstruction projects to be successful, the Iraqis must be more invested in securing, stabilizing and rebuilding their country. This report is further support for provisions that I coauthored in last year’s Defense Authorization Act, which became law, requiring that no more American funds be spent for major reconstruction projects in Iraq. As the SIGIR recommends, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq should work more closely with the Iraqi government to push the Iraqis to better maintain oil and other facilities that American taxpayers have helped to build.”