From The Associated Press, 12/13/03:

Nevada congressman calls for House hearings into Halliburton

By MARTIN GRIFFITH Associated Press Writer

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., called Saturday for congressional hearings
of Vice President ***** Cheney's former company, calling allegations
that it overcharged for fuel in Iraq"an absolute outrage."

Gibbons said he wants the House Armed Services Committee to hold
hearings early next year on allegations that Halliburton Co. charged
up to $61 million too much for delivering gasoline to Iraqi citizens
under a no-bid contract.

The company denies overcharging.

"If these allegations which were found in a Pentagon audit of
government contracts is true, then it's time for Halliburton to break
out its checkbook and refund American taxpayers,"Gibbons said.

Gibbons, a committee member, is the first member of Congress to call
for congressional hearings of the company.

His request comes as Democrats demand further investigations.

Gibbons said he's also concerned by news reports that Halliburton may
have overcharged an additional $67 million to supply cafeteria
services to U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

While he doesn't think Cheney has any involvement in the Halliburton
contract,

Gibbons said the House committee should examine whether the
contract was issued in exchange for campaign contributions.

Democratic presidential candidates said the Pentagon audit
demonstrated the Bush administration's commitment to special and
corporate interests.

"I think everything is fair game and we have to look at all issues
surrounding the contract,"Gibbons said.

"We have to follow every lead where it leads and let the chips fall
where they may.

"I'm sure they're going to look at timing, connections and who made
what decision in the Department of Defense on this contract. What
we're after is the truth about contracts and how they're monitored and
established,"he added.

Cheney headed Houston-based Halliburton from 1995 until he became
President Bush's running mate in 2000, and other executives from the
company gave generously to the Bush campaign.

Gibbons, the only member of Congress to serve in both the Vietnam and
Gulf wars, said he thinks Cheney and the administration eventually
will be cleared of any suspicion.

"I don't think ***** Cheney had anything to do with these contracts.
He's far too smart to do it,"Gibbons said.

"I don't think you'll find that the contracts were issued in exchange
for contributions in this case. I just think it's greedy overreaching
by Halliburton."

A Pentagon audit found Halliburton may have overcharged the government
by $1.09 a gallon.

Halliburton has received more than $2.2 billion so far under an oil
reconstruction contract.

The country is providing gasoline and other fuel to Iraqis while the
country's oil industry is being rebuilt.

Halliburton also has been paid about $3 billion for supporting the
military with cafeterias, mail delivery and other services.

"I am equally outraged over reports that I have seen that have stated
that another Pentagon audit found unclean conditions and rotting food
in more than one cafeteria serving American personnel,"Gibbons said.

___________________________________________________

Let the hearings begin.

Harry

From The Associated Press, 12/13/03:
http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2003/12/13/59097.php?sp1=rgj&sp2=N
ews&sp3=Local+News&sp5=RGJ.com&sp6=news&sp7=local_news

Nevada congressman calls for House hearings into Halliburton

By MARTIN GRIFFITH Associated Press Writer

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., called Saturday for congressional hearings
of Vice President ***** Cheney's former company, calling allegations
that it overcharged for fuel in Iraq"an absolute outrage."

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., called Saturday for congressional hearings
of Vice President ***** Cheney's former company, calling allegations
that it overcharged for fuel in Iraq"an absolute outrage."