On the fifth anniversary of Senator Carl Levin’s passing, we are proud to announce the addition of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee to our Congressional Oversight Records Database (CORD).
This release is especially meaningful because Senator Levin spent much of his Senate career on the Armed Services Committee, including years serving as Chairman and Ranking Member. During his tenure, he championed the idea that strong national security and strong oversight go hand in hand.
The courageous men and women whom we send into harm’s way are not just carrying out their orders with bravery (…). They are also implementing the outcome of the democratic debate which this Nation protects and honors. – – Senator Carl Levin
Throughout his 36 years serving in the Senate, Senator Levin was known for his rigorous, bipartisan approach to oversight. Whether examining military contracting, wartime policies, or defense spending, he viewed careful fact-finding as essential not only to ensuring America’s military readiness but also to maintaining public support that is crucial to the success of America’s military campaigns.
As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, he committed himself to strengthening national security for the benefit of the American people – leading without fanfare and fostering a spirit of bipartisanship that continues to inspire us all. – – Senator Jack Reed
Releasing these oversight reports in CORD connects an important chapter of Senator Levin’s service with our ongoing mission to strengthen congressional oversight and support the work of scholars, journalists, educators, and legislative staff.
As part of this release, we are highlighting a committee-approved report issued under Senator Levin’s chairmanship: Inquiry into the Role and Oversight of Private Security Contractors in Afghanistan (Oct 26, 2010). The report revealed corruption and deficiencies of private security contractors in Afghanistan and identified gaps in government oversight that had allowed these practices to continue. The report illustrates the committee’s crucial oversight role and its impact on national security policy.
Click on the report cover image to view the full report in CORD!
CORD is an effort by the Levin Center to make available for scholars, oversight practitioners, and the public oversight documents that are not easily accessible. For questions regarding the data collection methodology and protocols, please contact Grace Moore, Levin Center Research and Data Specialist.