Military Commissions Act of 2006

MILITARY COMMISSIONS ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - September 29, 2006)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, the final language for the bill was brought to the floor quickly and without thorough review by the House. I believe that it is important to have a system to try accused terrorists for their war crimes in a quick and fair way. In my original review of the bill, I believed that it took steps to protect fundamental human rights, prevent torture and provide for a fair legal process.

As I have heard from more and more legal experts and from my constituents, it is clear that this bill does not create a system that meets our high American standards for a fair trial and human rights.

Make no mistake; I believe that convicted terrorists must be punished for their war crimes. But it must be done in such a way that the American people are confident that our values are upheld. I do not believe that this bill makes this clear to the American people or to the international community that looks to us as a place of human rights and fairness.

Some people may question me for changing my vote. I believe that elected officials must have the strength to recognize new information and to take it into account to make the right decision. I wish President Bush would do the same thing with our policies in Iraq.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

http://thomas.loc.gov