Bright Co-Sponsors Legislation To Prevent 9/11 Terror Trials In The United States

Press Release

Congressman Bobby Bright joined Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) to introduce legislation that would prevent the trial of suspected 9/11 terrorists- including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed- in U.S. civilian courts. Specifically, the bill would prevent any federal funds from being used to try suspected terrorists in a civilian court in the United States. This would force the Department of Justice to try terror suspects through a Military Commission, likely at the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or at a military base in the United States. Congressman Bright, along a bipartisan group of 30 other Members of Congress, is an original co-sponsor of the legislation.

"The American people have spoken on this issue and they do not want terrorists tried in United States civilian courts," Bright said. "Military tribunals were set up for the purpose of trying the masterminds of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I have personally visited the facility at Guantanamo Bay and strongly believe it should be the venue for these trials. The prosecutors at Guantanamo just need the resources and the go-ahead to begin the process of serving long-overdue justice to these criminals. I hope that the rest of Congress listens to us and supports this legislation in order to prevent terrorists from being tried in U.S. civilian courts."

The legislation was introduced today as Congress returned to session. Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate today.

"The bill would send a clear signal that Congress should not spend hundreds of millions of dollars in American civilian courts to try terrorists currently housed in Guantanamo Bay, and I urge its swift consideration and passage," Bright said.

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