Dan Lawlor: Tell Jim: No Drone Dollars
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Representative Jim Langevin's job on the U.S. Permanent House Intelligence Committee includes oversight of U.S. drone policy. Yet, he has received tens of thousands of dollars from drone manufacturers. With due respect, how can he be objective?
Representative Langevin has served in RI's Second Congressional District since he decisively won election in a four way race in 2000. Langevin remains a very popular incumbent, regularly warding off challengers to his left and right. No Republican in the Second District has gained more than 40% of the vote since Trudy Coxe, in 1990.
With little effective opposition, Langevin needs to hear from his constituents.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe U.S. Drone program is one of the more controversial tools in the intelligence community's arsenal. Numerous drone strikes have been used to kill known and suspected terrorists overseas- and we have contradictory accounting of how many innocents have been caught in the crossfire. For example, as of last year, in Pakistan, estimates of innocents killed ranged from 67 to 400. Drones have been used in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia.
People die because of the decision to use or not use drones. Congressman Langevin should return any money he receives from the PACs of the drone manufacturers. He needs to be free to make decisions on the regulation and oversight of drones without worrying about the opinions of campaign contributors.
Who are some of his contributors? Here's the low-down:
The PAC Northrup Grumman, “the recognized leader in unmanned systems,” gave Representative Langevin $10,000.00 last year.
Boeing, which is developing drones with names like Phantom Eye and Camcopter, gave Representative Langevin $6,000.
SAIC, which is developing underwater drones, gave Representative Langevin $6,000.
The PAC of one of the leading drone developers, General Dynamics, gave Representative Langevin $10,000.
The above are just some examples.
Of course, it would be unfair to single out Representative Langevin. Senator Reed, for instance last year accepted tens of thousands from Bank of America and Goldman Sachs, industries he is supposed to help regulate via the Senate Banking Committee.
Representative Langevin, while RI Secretary of State, began a series of programs to bring greater transparency to Rhode Island voters. He is a smart elected official and a savvy politician, repeatedly foiling his left and right. However, accepting money from the very industry he is expected to review - how can he be objective? How can he do the right thing?
Representative Langevin, you have been repeatedly put on the "Not" list for your choices on the House Intelligence Committee - from supporting NSA surveillance to receiving funds from the drone industry you are responsible to hold accountable.
The choice here is simple. Do you really need $8,000 to $10,000 from each drone manufacturer to ensure your victory?
Rhode Islanders, tell Representative Langevin: No drone money. No conflict of interest. Return the funds.
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