Press Releases
Pascrell Lashes Out at Irresponsible DHS Contracts
Washington, DC,
May 18, 2006
Tags:
Homeland Security
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) challenged Department of Homeland Security officials to explain irresponsible contracting at a Homeland Security subcommittee hearing today. At the core of Pascrell's concern was a $21.2 million federal contract issued to a company that is owned by a convicted felon whose criminal record includes petty larceny, attempted robbery, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property. The company, Shirlington Limousine Company and Transportation Inc., is also reported to have been involved in illegal activities conducted by disgraced former member of Congress, Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who sat on the powerful Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. "It is completely bewildering to me that any contractor with such an extensive criminal record could ever get a penny from the Department of Homeland Security," stated Pascrell. "I'd expect this type of contractor to be on a list of excluded parties. This inexplicable lapse in judgment by the Department signals a need for increased oversight and leadership within the upper ranks. It is inexcusable that DHS is rewarding a felon with federal dollars at the expense of American taxpayers and homeland security. This shameful contract has widened the eyes of Congress. I will continue to demand increased accountability from the federal agency that American people depend on to protect them at home." On May 5, 2006, Pascrell and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-2-MS) the Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Committee sent a letter to the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security requesting an investigation into numerous concerns over Shirlington's Limousine's contract with the Department of Homeland Security. The text of the letter is attached below. May 5, 2006 The Honorable Richard Skinner Dear Inspector General Skinner: On April 29, 2006, the Washington Post reported that Shirlington Limousine and Transportation, Inc., a Washington area limousine service that had been linked to the on-going corruption scandal of former Rep. Randy Cunningham, had been awarded a $21 million contract for limousine services by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent reports indicate that the current controversy involving Shirlington Limousine revolves around the company's alleged complicity in securing prostitution services for public officials, we are not interested in such accusations. However, we are concerned about revelations that this company, despite its unsatisfactory past performance and its apparent lack of resources was able to obtain a $21 million contract with the Department. Therefore, we are writing to request that you investigate this company and its contracts with the Department and obtain the answers to the following questions:
It is our understanding that the committee intends to hold a hearing on May 18th which will touch upon this contract. Therefore, we would appreciate a response to these questions prior to the May 18th hearing. As always, thank you for your efforts in ensuring that taxpayer money is efficiently and effectively spent. If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Herrera-Flanigan at (202) 226-2616. Sincer |