The War on Terrorism is both a war of ideas and a war of information. Keeping America safe requires an aggressive approach to gathering intelligence by capturing, detaining and interrogating members of al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations around the globe. The Military Commissions Act of 2006 signed by the President today establishes a process to try captured terrorists for war crimes and sets clear parameters for C.I.A. interrogators, allowing them to continue their lifesaving work consistent with our international treaty obligations.
We must bring these dangerous people to justice and preserve our ability to continue collecting valuable intelligence. Military tribunals conducted under this new law will provide defendants with a fair trial, access to counsel and access to the evidence brought against them. At the same time, this legislation keeps vital intelligence out of the hands of terrorists.
It is important that the American people understand we face a determined enemy bent upon the destruction of our freedoms, our values and civilized life. Americans are different because we respect human life and the rule of law and believe liberty is a natural right of all mankind. Whatever rights we extend to the terrorists, we can be sure that they will not return the favor to our brave men and women actively engaged in the war on terror.
This President and the Republican lead Congress will continue to support legislation keeping America on the offense against terrorism so that we don’t suffer another devastating attack on American soil like we did on 9/11.