Reps. Jacobs, Crow Introduce Bill to Increase Oversight of Civilian Casualties in Conflict Zones
Today, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) and Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), Co-Chairs of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus introduced the Civilian Harm Transparency in Partnerships Act of 2023, legislation that requires the Director of National Intelligence to notify Congress if US-provided intelligence used by a third party results in civilian casualties.
“The United States can’t fully address civilian harm without addressing incidents that result from sharing our own intelligence with our partners,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “We need to do everything we can to prevent, limit, and minimize civilian harm – and also take steps following incidents to be transparent, take accountability, and avoid making the same mistakes again. That’s why I’m proud to support the Civilian Harm Transparency in Partnerships Act, which creates more reporting requirements to create transparency and oversight over incidents of civilian harm.”
"US intelligence tools are essential for keeping Americans safe and protecting civilians in conflict zones. We must ensure our intelligence always furthers both of these goals,” said Congressman Crow. “My years in combat taught me that protecting civilians is essential to the mission, not secondary. Proud to introduce this bill alongside Rep. Sara Jacobs.”
Congressman Crow continues efforts alongside the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus to prevent, reduce, and respond to civilian harm resulting from U.S. and partner operations. Crow led Caucus members in a letter pressing the Biden Administration to increase transparency in U.S. counterterrorism policy and fought for and secured measures included in last year’s defense spending, which codified the protection and investigation of civilian harm into law.