House Debates Intelligence Authorization Conference Report Extending Army Field Manual
December 13th, 2007 by Jesse LeeUPDATE: The bill has passed, 222-199.
Today the House is debating the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report. The bill authorizes the largest amount for intelligence programs ever authorized - containing numerous provisions to improve the effectiveness of intelligence programs and agencies. It also includes an amendment that extends to U.S. intelligence agencies and personnel the current prohibitions in the Army Field Manual against torture. The legislation’s accountability measures include provisions to enhance oversight of the intelligence community and provisions to improve accountability on the use of contractors in the intelligence community.
CIA Interrogation Tapes Issue Plays Out Against Authorization Bill Vote
Tim Starks, CQ - December 11, 2007
The conference report contains a provision that has drawn a veto threat from the White House because it would confine the CIA to the interrogation tactics permitted by the Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations, which bans techniques such as waterboarding.
The bill demands legal documents related to the administration’s interrogation and detention policies.
Read the legislative language on extension of the Army Field Manual >>
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-23) spoke during debate on the rule:
Rep. Hastings: “Madam Speaker, over the past week, as we debate the CIA’s destruction of videotapes of past interrogations, the nation has realized the importance of Congressional oversight of the intelligence community. For far too long, Congress has been silent as a partner in the unchecked actions of this administration. In neglecting to do our jobs, we were failing the people of America. With this new majority Congress, we’re again conducting the necessary oversight of the executive branch.” |
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) spoke during debate on the rule:
Rep. Schakowsky: “My colleagues in the minority complain that the inclusion of this provision will make it impossible for our intelligence officers to protect the American people from terrorists. As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I assure you that those claims are false, but don’t take my word for it. Please, consider the advice of General David Petraeus, who said in a May 10 memo to the members of the armed forces that the Army Field Manual allowed intelligence officials to get the information they need. Among the things he said is, quote, ‘our experience in applying the interrogation standards laid out in the Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations that was published last year shows that the techniques in the manual work effectively and humanely in eliciting information from detainees.’” |
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chairman of Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, speaks in favor:
Rep. Nadler: “This will ensure a single uniform baseline standard for interrogations. That means no more torture, no more waterboarding, no more clever wordplay, no more evasive answers, no more dishonesty… I understand the critical role that intelligence plays in protecting ourselves. But torture, and cruel and degrading treatment – besides being contrary to American values and traditions – have proven not to be effective in obtaining actionable intelligence. Current and former members of the military have made this clear.” |
Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer speaks in favor:
Leader Hoyer: “I believe that the Administration’s position is indefensible. This is not a question of whether we must combat and defeat terrorists. Of course we must. However, we must never let it be said, that when this generation of Americans was forced to confront evil, that we succumbed to the tactics of a tyrant, that we stooped to the depths of the dictator. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, not for party, but for country; not for partisanship, but for reverance for the Constitutional oath we took, I urge us all let’s demonstrate our commitment to the values that make us Americans. Let’s begin to repair and restore this nation’s reputation.” |