Electrocutions amendment passes

Daniel Malloy Oct. 2, 2009

Sen. Bob Casey Jr.'s amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill addressing electrocutions in Iraq passed last night on a voice vote in the Senate. Along the way it acquired Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as a headline sponsor and co-sponsorships from Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., John Kerry, D-Mass., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Bill Nelson, D-Fla. The Pennsylvania Democrat pitched the amendment on the Senate floor yesterday to force the Army to make sure contractors check their wiring. Ten service members and contractors have died from electrocutions since the Iraq war began in 2003, including Sgt. Ryan Maseth, of Shaler, who was electrocuted while showering in his barracks in January 2008. In addition, the amendment addresses the availablity of clean and sanitary water in Iraq and establishes stricter standards for investigating and prosecuting sexual assault.

A vote on the full appropriations bill is expected next week.