Back in 2003, a group of Oregon National Guard troops was assigned to guard an Iraqi oil-field water treatment site infused with known cancer-causing chemicals. In an unprecedented move, the veterans later won a suit against the Pentagon's biggest wartime contractor, Kellogg-Brown and Root of Houston.
Even though the veterans were awarded 81-million dollars in damages in a Portland court two years ago, they have yet to collect a dime. And now both Oregon senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkely, are demanding that the Pentagon step in to end the long legal and political wrestling match.
Wyden and Merkley have sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel telling him to - quote - take control of the litigation process and move toward an equitable solution."
They told Hagel that his predecessor, Leon Panetta waffled on the issue and they're hoping for more satisfying answers from Hagel.
The Portland federal jury found in 2012 that KBR acted with "reckless and outrageous indifference" to the Guardsmen's health, safety and welfare.
The soldiers were exposed to sodium dichromate, which contains hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen. It was used in Iraq's version of fracking, even though the stuff was banned in the US.
KBR appealed the verdict, and also invoked a clause in its contract with the government that it would be reimbursed for its legal expenses and damage payments.
The Oregon lawmakers believe it's unconscionable for a firm found guilty of negligence to make taxpayers pay the bill for damages.