WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Department officials want Congress to resolve a legal issue that they say makes it hard to prosecute some contractors for crimes they commit overseas.

Currently, law-breaking Pentagon employees and contractors supporting the American war mission overseas are subject to federal prosecution in the U.S. A nonmilitary prosecutor who breaks the law may fall outside the Justice Department's jurisdiction.

Lawmakers plan to renew efforts to close the gap this session with bills that would make civilian contractors and employees liable to federal prosecution for acts including murder, arson and bribery.

Rep. David Price, a North Carolina Democrat now sponsoring legislation in the House, says there's currently no legal path to deal with certain contractors who run afoul of the law.

Federal prosecutors believe clearer and more uniform rules are needed.