Cleveland.com:
An Ohio soldier's 2003 death in a truck crash with a Kuwaiti contractor has inspired a coalition of Ohio lawmakers to introduce legislation that would establish U.S. court jurisdiction over federal contracts with both domestic and foreign companies.
Lieutenant Col. Dominic "Rocky" Baragona of Niles died in Iraq when a supply truck driven by Kuwait Gulf & Link Transport Company slammed into his Humvee. Baragona's family won a $4.9 million federal court judgement against the trucking firm that was overturned after the Kuwaiti company argued it was not subject to U.S. court jurisdiction.
While the bill would primarily affect future contracts, it contains language that would apply retroactively to civil cases like Baragona's that were brought against contractors after September 11, 2001. Contractors in such cases would be forced to consent to the jurisdiction of U.S. federal courts, or give up the prospect of entering into future contracts with the U.S. government and getting payment for existing contracts.....
Here is more information from Thomas (Library of Congress) :
H.R.2349
Title: To provide in personam jurisdiction in civil actions against contractors of the United States Government performing contracts abroad with respect to serious bodily injuries of members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees of the United States Government, and United States citizen employees of companies performing work for the United States Government in connection with contractor activities, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Ryan, Tim [OH-17] (introduced 5/12/2009) Cosponsors (4)
Latest Major Action: 5/12/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Rep Boccieri, John A. [OH-16] - 5/12/2009
Rep Kilroy, Mary Jo [OH-15] - 5/12/2009
Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] - 5/12/2009
Rep Sutton, Betty [OH-13] - 5/12/2009
I'm sure that our military personnel and their families would welcome this legislation.
*** Here is a tidbit from the past. Apparently, Republican candidate for Senate Rob Portman was not only close to President George W. Bush, he was also friendly with Vice President Dick Cheney! CBS5 has financial disclosures from Bush and Cheney from May 16, 2006. (Note: I've highlighted some names.)
Cheney reported 20 gifts worth $39,722, including several expensive pieces of art: ......a $550 artists proof by wildlife artist John Ruthven, from now-budget chief Rob Portman....
Portman gave a gift to Cheney. Wow.
>>> Portman even got invited to the Bush ranch! How nice.
President George W. Bush stands with his economic advisors as he addresses a news conference, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005 at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, Texas, following a meeting to discuss the strength of the U.S. economy. From left to right are Dr. Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers; U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman; U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao; U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns; U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow; U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez; OMB Director Josh Bolten and assistant to the President on economic policy, Allan B. Hubbard. White House photo by Paul Morse....
Here is the picture (found at farm1) that was taken by Paul Morse:
>>> Following the vote mess after the 2000 presidential election, the NY Times has Portman talking about then Gov. George W. Bush:
...The nearly even divide of power between Republicans and Democrats in Congress will present a challenge on that front as well as others.
''You've got this very ambitious agenda that Governor Bush laid out during the campaign -- reforming Social Security, education, Medicare and defense,'' said Representative Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican, who is one of Mr. Bush's closest allies on Capitol Hill....
"....one of Mr. Bush's closest allies on Capitol Hill...." would look great on a campaign poster. Don't you think???? I think the Ohio Dems will be making signs/ads with that phrase.