Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 Veto Message from the President of the United States

INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 14, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
OF OHIO
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008

* Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I agree with the President and although I oppose overriding the President's veto of this bill, I still don't agree with him. I am opposed to the override because I am opposed to H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act. However, I reject the President's reasons for vetoing this legislation.

* I want to thank all of those who served in gathering intelligence to protect the American people. However, I voted against the veto override because I do not support the underlying bill. Through the emergence of several high-profile classified leaks to the media it has become apparent that our intelligence agencies need to be reformed.

* From these media leaks, we became aware of the efforts to manipulate intelligence, to falsify a cause for war against Iraq. We became aware of the illegal NSA domestic wiretapping program without a court order. We became aware of the rumored CIA detention centers in Eastern Europe, and the CIA's extraordinary rendition program, used to transport suspects to other nations with less restrictive torture policies. It is regrettable that intelligence is often reshaped to fit doctrine instead of doctrine being reshaped in the face of the facts of intelligence.

* The President's opposition to H.R. 2082 was focused on his objection to a provision in the bill that would have required adherence to the Army Field Manual (AFM) on Interrogations by all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA. This provision would specifically prohibit acts of torture and abuse. The President's veto of the bill demonstrates a disconcerting disregard for human rights.

* I fully support banning the use of interrogation techniques that are not authorized by the Army Field Manual on Interrogation. This provision in the Intelligence Authorization shows a commitment by the United States and this body to end torture that is sponsored by the U.S. and restore the rule of law.

* This body and the President have a responsibility to take action to end all U.S. sponsored torture, cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. Our constitution, federal criminal statutes and Senate-ratified treaties compel us to meet this goal. Both the laws and values of America demand an end to the abhorrent practice of torture.

* Requiring our intelligence agencies to abide by the proven interrogation methods of the Army Field Manual on Interrogation is a first step to restoring public confidence at home and abroad.

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