Deploring Abuse of Persons in United States Custody in Iraq
DEPLORING ABUSE OF PERSONS IN UNITED STATES CUSTODY IN IRAQ -- (House of Representatives - May 06, 2004)
Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 628, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 627) deploring the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of their detention, urging the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any member of the Armed Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, expressing the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous and honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.
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Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my outrage and disappointment in the soldiers who physically and mentally abused Iraqis at the Abu Ghraib prison.
I do not believe that these actions represent the character of our Armed Forces or of the United States. Unfortunately, however, these soldiers, through their despicable actions, have severely damaged the reputation of the United States and significantly complicated our task in the region.
Mr. Speaker, I am saddened that the President did not apologize to the Iraqi people for these deplorable actions. An apology from the President clearly was in order.
I am also outraged, as all of us should be, that the Secretary of Defense failed to make Congress aware of these accusations in a timely manner. According to news accounts, the Department has been aware of the infamous photos, and the abuse, since at least mid-January. Yet, we only found out about them in the last week. This is outrageous and unacceptable.
Unfortunately, this is just one more example of the Administration not playing straight with the Congress or the American people. We have been misled about the weapons of mass destruction, troop levels and the length of their deployments, and the costs associated with the war--among others.
This Administration must change its way. Congress deserves better and, certainly, the American people deserve better.