Washington, D.C.  – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr. today voted in favor of the Military Commissions Act of 2006.  The legislation creates a new judicial process to prosecute terrorists captured in the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, while also protecting American troops and intelligence agents fighting terrorists.  The bill was approved overwhelmingly in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Senate is expected to act on a similar measure as early as today.

 

“It is time for the criminals responsible for planning the most horrendous attack on U.S. soil, and who continue to plan terrorist acts, to be brought to justice,” said Boustany.  “We have an obligation to the American people to deliver justice to these criminals, as well as an obligation to the international community to uphold our treaty obligations.”

 

The Military Commissions Act includes the compromises worked out among the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives last week.  The measure complies with Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, as well as all applicable U.S. laws and international treaty obligations.

 

“I had several reservations about the bill that was originally proposed, and I could never in good conscience vote for any legislation that would alter U.S. obligations under the Geneva Convention,” continued Boustany.  “Ultimately, however, this compromise legislation addresses those concerns by creating a fair and legal process to try unlawful foreign enemy combatants.  I commend the leadership in both the House and Senate who were able to reach this agreement.”

 

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