JANUARY 31, 2005 PRESS RELEASE
http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0131-11.htm
CONTACT: Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH)
Doug Gordon, 202-225-5871(o) 202-494-5141 (c)

Kucinich Demands Broad Investigation Of Missing $9 Billion In Iraq Ranking Member on National Security Oversight Committee Calls For Federal Grand Jury Investigation and Congressional Hearings

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), the Ranking Member on the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, today demanded abroad investigation of the $9 billion in missing reconstruction funds in Iraq, including a criminal investigation and Congressional hearings. Kucinich will send two letters today calling for a full investigation into the missing $9 billion in funds in Iraq. One letter will be sent to Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT), Chairman of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, requesting an immediate Congressional hearing. The second letter will be sent to United States Attorney General-designate Alberto Gonzales demanding a criminal investigation, including a grand jury, by the United States Department of Justice.

"In view of this Administration's tendency for covert or secret operations, there is no assurance that these funds were not misused for illegal or unauthorized activities," stated Kucinich. "The Administration, the Department of Defense, and Coalition Provisional Authority must be held directly responsible for this staggering lack of accountability of $9 billion. If ever there was a reason for a grand jury to start asking questions of high ranking federal government officials, this is it." Kucinich's actions followed a report issued yesterday, by the special inspector general (IG) for Iraq, Stuart Bowen Jr., which stated the U.S. occupation authority in Iraq was unable to keep track of nearly $9 billion in funds it transferred to government ministries between October 2003 and June 2004. "It is simply not believable that the Administration lost track of every dime of the funds. The Administration willfully turned a blind eye and allowed the misuse of funds, and now must be held accountable," continued Kucinich.

QUOTE OF THE DAY ... Freedom rings resoundingly in a democracy when people speak freely. It stirs the human heart while fear stills it. Congressman Dennis Kucinich [D-OH]

[Duchess Note ... A new feature to this Blog will be the "Weekly Kucinich Digest". Which is being created by fellow NY/TX Kucitizen Linda Z. Hope all my Blog readers enjoy it. The first installment is below. Peace!]

"Collaborationist Democrats Face Deepening Quagmire" from GAY CITY NEWS (NYC) mentions Rep. Kucinich and Kucitizens have worked with other groups to create a non-partisan force for peace and justice.
http://www.gaycitynews.com/gcn_355/collaborationistdemocrats.html

(Jan. 26, 2005) Rep. Kucinich cites a total absence of international election monitors in Iraq for Sundays elections. From the website of Congressman Kucinich. http://www.house.gov/kucinich/

(Jan. 28, 2005) Now Appearing on Local Stages: Willie Nelson and Austin Bio-fuels. Rep. Kucinich plans to reintroduce the bio-diesel bill. Willie Nelson recently lobbied with Congressman Dennis Kucinich, contacting dozens of Congress members to elicit support.
http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2005-01-28/pols_feature5.html

NOTE: Twenty young supporters of Dennis Kucinich for President toured the country for the "Democreation Project", a youth-founded effort to unite young artists and political progressives behind Dennis Kucinich. TheDemocreation Project traveled in a bio-diesel bus.