Blackwater Shooting Harms National Security, Says Senate Democrat

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, says during a hearing that the May 5, 2009 shooting by Blackwater contract personnel harmed the national security interests of the United States. Levin goes on to quote a media report that claims a whole Afghan community turned against U.S. presence in the aftermath. (0:22)
Listen

U.S. Hired "Mercenaries" Threaten America's Image, Says Illinois Democrats

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) says that private military contractors hired by the U.S. are tarnishing Americas image in the middle east. (0:13)
Listen

James Schmitt, Senior Vice President of Private Security Contract agency, ArmorGroup, speaks before Senate Committee on Homeland Security regarding use of private security contractors overseas

Shmitt told the committee that the image of private security groups working overseas has been tarnished as a result of incidents such as Blackwater's deadly assault against civilians in Iraq last year. (0:46)
Listen

Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security Susan Collins (R-ME) says private security contractors need to be held accountable for misconduct during a hearing today on the issue

Collins spoke regarding the incident last year in Iraq when Blackwater security agents opened fire on civilian killing 17. (0:38)
Listen