Committee News

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

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Boozman Introduces Legislation Amid Increasing Opposition To Civilian Trials in U.S. for 9/11 Terrorists

Members of Congress are stepping up efforts to stop civilian trials on U.S. soil for the 9/11 terrorists, including the self-proclaimed mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed.

Bipartisan legislation introduced with 38 cosponsors including Rep. John Boozman (R-AR), blocks funding for the trial in any American community but allows for a military commission at Guantanamo Bay or another secure military facility.

“These terrorists are dangerous enemies of our nation and they need to be dealt with in a way that demonstrates our country's commitment to justice and maintains our respect and good standing in the rest of the world. I do not believe that bringing them to stand trial in New York City or any other community on U.S. soil accomplishes that nor does it do anything to make Americans safer. There is a potential that a civilian trial could jeopardize our national security by forcing us to expose details regarding our intelligence and intelligence gathering process,” Boozman said.

Last November, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his four co-conspirators currently held at Guantanamo Bay would face a civilian trial in New York City. Since then, New York City leaders including Mayor Michael Bloomberg have voiced their opposition to the trial because of security concerns as well as the cost, which is estimated to be $250 million a year.

H.R. 4556 was introduced in the House by Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and a Senate companion was introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).