The National Security with Justice Act
Last Wednesday, July 25th, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) introduced a new bill, the National Security with Justice Act (S. 1876). The bill responds to several different objections that have been raised to the Bush Administration’s illegal practices, including the use of secret prisons, torture, the designation of American citizens as unlawful enemy combatants, and the practice of detaining foreign terrorism suspects without legal authorization from the countries in which they reside (rendition). Tom Malinowski of Human Rights Watch has already applauded the bill in a testimony before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
What makes the bill different from previously ones is its scope. It responds to virtually all of the objectionable methods used by this administration. It not only would end torture, but it would also restore almost all of the rights stolen by the White House’s liberal interpretation of the US Constitution. The most controversial, and possibly the most important, aspect of the bill is the limitations it places on rendition. It requires the CIA to get authorization from a FISA court before it can carry out a rendition. In his opening statement, Biden explained that the reckless use of rendition has crippled respect for America all over the world. In Italy, Americans have been indicted for their role in a rendition, and in Germany there are outstanding warrants for the arrest of Americans suspected of rendition. Needless to say, passing this bill would be a huge victory for civil liberties advocates in the United States.
The bill has been sent to the Senate Judiciary for debate and possible revision. Senator Leahy (D-VT) is the chairman. We will follow the progress of the bill closely and report any updates, as well as add it to our list of bills on the sidebar. I wouldn’t expect much progress any time soon with the Senate Judiciary Committee still investigating the lawyer purge.
