US Intelligence In Private Hands

Billions a year spent on private intel contracts—but where's the money going?
By Ben Worthen,  Newser User
Posted May 31, 2007 8:00 AM CDT
US Intelligence In Private Hands
US Representative Rick Renzi (R), under federal investigation for using his Appropriations Committee position to funnel defense contracts to his father's company   (Associated Press)

Since 9/11, the US government has been upping spending on private intelligence contractors, doling out cash that is often classified and impossible to trace, Salon reports. 70% of all classified intelligence spending goes into private hands, making waste and corruption serious concerns.

Some lawmakers want the intelligence community to increase transparency: Bills in the House and the Senate would publicize the intelligence budget, reveal the recipients of billions of dollars that are currently veiled in secrecy; and, some hope, encourage the government to reconsider the outsourcing of American security. (More intelligence stories.)

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