Cornyn Statement On Military Tribunal Agreement
Legislation Will Protect Classified Evidence and Allow Interrogation Program to Continue
Thursday, September 21, 2006
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement regarding today’s announcement that an agreement has been reached between the White House and Republican Members of the Armed Services Committee on the Bringing Terrorists to Justice Act:
“After several days of good faith discussions, Republicans have come together and reached an important agreement that will allow the legislative process to move forward and for these detainees to be brought to justice. In doing so, we are united in an important effort that reflects our American values and the understanding that we must protect access to classified information, and continue with the interrogation of high-value detainees such as Khalid Sheik Mohammed – who was the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror plot. These are not ordinary criminals by any means – they are terrorists who are dedicated to killing innocent civilians and destroying democracy.
“This issue is much more important than the next election. It is much more important than which party is in the majority in the next Congress. This is about the safety and security of the American people, and I hope my Democrat colleagues will soon join our united front and help pass this important legislation as soon as possible.”
“After several days of good faith discussions, Republicans have come together and reached an important agreement that will allow the legislative process to move forward and for these detainees to be brought to justice. In doing so, we are united in an important effort that reflects our American values and the understanding that we must protect access to classified information, and continue with the interrogation of high-value detainees such as Khalid Sheik Mohammed – who was the mastermind behind the 9/11 terror plot. These are not ordinary criminals by any means – they are terrorists who are dedicated to killing innocent civilians and destroying democracy.
“This issue is much more important than the next election. It is much more important than which party is in the majority in the next Congress. This is about the safety and security of the American people, and I hope my Democrat colleagues will soon join our united front and help pass this important legislation as soon as possible.”
