Investigators to monitor Katrina contracts

[sabra]

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/politics/12630977.htm

Investigators to monitor Katrina contracts

Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A team of investigators is being sent to the Hurricane Katrina-ravished Gulf Coast to follow the money - namely, billions of dollars in relief aid the federal government is pouring into the region without normal contracting safeguards.

The 30 Homeland Security Department investigators and auditors are part of what officials call an unprecedented effort to ensure federal funds are properly distributed in a rescue, relief and rebuilding process expected to exceed $100 billion.

The team is being dispatched as critics call the spending deluge a disaster in waiting if not properly controlled.

The investigators, sent to monitor government contractors' work in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, will "ensure proper use of DHS funds, taxpayer dollars and compliance with applicable laws and regulations," Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said.

[ladylibertee]

1. Oh , Yeah like we can trust DHS to insure the funds are not....

used for other things.Give me a break.:eyes:

[Marlie]

2. Who will investigate the investigators?

Somehow nothing makes me feel safe with the Bushies in charge.

[aquart]

3. Is this in the humor section?

[msgadget]

4. LOL!

I checked to see if this was from the Onion but, nope, its a real paper. :rofl:

This part if good too:

Generally, Katrina contractors "will be given the benefit of the doubt," Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., said.

"There is a provision for an audit so they know we're going to be looking over their shoulder to make sure they spend the money as provided by the Congress," Cochran said. "But we have to give the administration some leeway in making these decisions to expedite the delivery of services and benefits."

[bigbrother05]

5. They should be talking about

Whistleblower Bunny Greenhouse questioned the no-bid contracts for Halliburton in Iraq. This weekend the Army got revenge. ... the plight of Bunnatine "Bunny" Greenhouse, another whistleblower threatened with ... criticising Halliburton contract: Bunnatine (Bunny) Greenhouse, a senior civilian auditor

[msgadget]

6. That's what made me laugh,

thinking of her and the actions they've illegally taken against her for her trouble. These auditors are...how can I put it? A screen against future complaints..? Remember the money that went to Iraq and how much got 'lost'...and how much still hasn't been spent...but they need more? Yep, I'm going to trust this audit. Yessiree.

[Spinzonner]

7. "Quis custodiet custodes ipsos? "

The administration and the Republican congress have corruption in depth.

[Gin]

8. If they are going to cap wages...why not cap profits....thats a good

way to keep things honest....Oh I forgot...Haliburton is on the take...er...on the job.

[annabanana]

9. Make sure no one gets too much of Halliburton's money....

Halliburton's got the big contract down there and Georgie wants to make sure that it doesn't get syphoned off to any local yokels who might, I don't know...

NEED THE WORK!!

gawd i hate these people...