Senate Republican Working on Proposal to Bar Terror Suspects From U.S. Courts
A Senate Republican wants to bar suspected foreign terrorists held at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from challenging their detentions in U.S. courts, a proposal that is drawing protest from human rights groups. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he also faces some resistance from Senate colleagues and the White House as he considers whether to try attaching his proposal to a defense bill the Senate is debating this week. Senators could vote on the proposal as early as Thursday.
"What I object to is criminalizing the war. Enemy combatants, POWs have never had access to federal court before," said Graham, a 20-year Air Force lawyer. The White House, while not necessary opposed in principle to the proposal, has not yet signed off on it.
Graham's effort comes as the GOP-led Senate prepared to rebuff the White House a second time by approving another defense bill that would ban cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of foreign prisoners in U.S. custody. The measure also would require U.S. troops to follow interrogation procedures in the Army Field Manual. The administration has threatened to veto any bills containing the provisions. Top House Republicans have indicated their opposition, too.
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