Congresswoman Lee Introduces “No More Ghost Money Act”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2013
Contact: Carrie Adams (202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C.— Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the No More Ghost Money Act of 2013. The bill would prohibit illegal payments to foreign officials and would require a report to Congress on payments made by the CIA to employees, officers, and elected officials to foreign entities.
Recent revelations that Afghan President Karzai received under the table cash payments from the CIA prompted the Congresswoman and several of her colleagues to introduce the bill.
“‘Ghost money’ payments via suitcases stuffed with cash to corrupt regimes directly contradicts our strategic goals both in Afghanistan and around the world. We’ve got to end this destructive practice, and that’s exactly what my bill will do,” said Congresswoman Lee.
The bill would prohibit any department, agency, or contractor of the Federal Government from making any payment “for purposes of bribery, coercion, or any activity that is illegal or undermines the rule of law.” Also included in the bill is a security waver to ensure that the reporting requirement would not hinder national security.
“This practice is a recipe for economic disaster and shows misplaced priorities. Especially at a time when funding for Head Start and Meals on Wheels is being gutted, we need to know how every dollar is being spent. This is a glaring instance wasted taxpayer dollars,” said Congresswoman Lee.
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Follow Barbara Lee on Facebook and Twitter at @RepBarbaraLee. To learn more, visit lee.house.gov.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a former Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and currently serves as CPC Whip and Chair of the Taskforce on Global Peace and Security.