House Passes Bill Subjecting Private Security Contractors to U.S. Law

In light of the scandal involving Blackwater USA in Iraq, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill subjecting private security contractors to U.S. law.

Via the Associated Press:

The House passed a bill on Wednesday that would make all private contractors working in Iraq and other combat zones subject to prosecution by U.S. courts. It was the first major legislation of its kind to pass since a deadly shootout last month involving Blackwater employees.

Democrats called the 389-30 vote an indictment in connection with a shooting incident there that left 11 Iraqis dead. Senate Democratic leaders said they planned to follow suit with similar legislation and send a bill to President Bush as soon as possible.

The White House opposes such legislation.