Simmons Statement Regarding Bush Proposal for Treatment and Prosecution of Terrorists

SIMMONS STATEMENT REGARDING BUSH PROPOSAL FOR TREATMENT AND PROSECUTION OF TERRORISTS

Congressman Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, today received the Bush Administration's draft proposal for the treatment and prosecution of terrorists captured and detained by the United States. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Simmons will participate in a hearing tomorrow to consider the Administration's proposal.

Simmons released the following statement:

"I have always believed that the U.S. Government should explore fresh approaches to the terrorist detainee issue. Approaches that will comply with our Constitution, properly adjudicate prisoners, and provide for the protection of our troops in the field while having the support of the American public. "As the House Armed Services Committee examines the president's proposal, I will be advocating the creation of a National Security Court system, possibly as part of a broader commission. Scholars of
international law have suggested just such an approach.

"The trials might look like a hybrid of our own federal court system and military tribunals -- like the war on terror, a mix of civil law enforcement and military justice. The goal would be to provide both a short-term and long-term answer to the question of how to detain and adjudicate suspected international terrorists.

"This ‘new kind of law for a new kind of war' will need bipartisan support, and I hope the House, Senate and White House can come together and adopt a strong piece of legislation."

http://simmons.house.gov/UploadedFiles/DetaineeLegislation%20--%20Sept6.pdf