Rep. Johnson Proposes Commission to Study Detainee Treatment

Press Release

Congressman Hank Johnson, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, is seeking support for legislation that he introduced today to deliberate the future of detainees under U.S control.

Rep. Johnson, noting that it has been five years since the first detainees arrived at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba, said that allegations of abuse undermine America's moral authority in the struggle against terrorism and tarnish the nation's reputation worldwide. Critics estimate that hundreds of detainees remain in the camps under questionable conditions and without due process of law.

Known as The National Commission on Detainee Treatment Act of 2007, Rep. Johnson's bill would authorize $1.5 million for an 8-member review of matters relating to the capture, custody, judicial proceedings, and repatriation of suspected unlawful enemy combatants toward development of a comprehensive solution. When a detainee is deemed an "unlawful enemy combatant," the person may face trial by military commission, which has the authority to dispense death sentences.

"It is imperative that we decide once and for all what America will do with the detainees that are in our custody," said Rep. Johnson. "This situation does not conform to any of our laws or rules, and therefore, is subject to broad interpretation which may or may not be appropriate. We need to establish explicit rules to ensure that our practices are Constitutional and reflect American values." Last year, the United Nations Committee against Torture and the United Nations Human Rights Committee, both responsible for monitoring treaties, reportedly notified the U.S. that secret detention violates America's international legal obligations.

According to Congressman Johnson, the proposed bipartisan Commission, to be established within 30 days of enactment, would have subpoena power to ensure the attendance and testimony of witnesses, as well as the production of evidence relating to matters under investigation. He said that structurally, two co-chairs would appoint an executive director to manage day-to-day operations. The legislation specifically prohibits pay for Commission members and the appointment of elected officials.

The Commission would be required to produce a final report for Congress and the President within one year of appointing the co-chairs.

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