CHRIS DODD: INTRODUCES LEGISLATION-TODAY-TO AMEND MILITARY COMMISSIONS ACT!

[kpete]

A Patriot Steps Forward


Chris Dodd:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kate Szostak
November 16, 2006 202-224-5372
DODD: EFFECTIVE TERRORISTS PROSECUTION
ACT WILL BRING TERRORISTS TO JUSTICE;
HONOR AMERICA’S GOOD NAME

Washington- Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), an outspoken opponent of the
Military Commission Act of 2006, today introduced legislation which
would amend existing law in order to have an effective process for
bringing terrorists to justice. This is currently not the case under the
Military Commission Act, which will be the subject of endless legal
challenges. As important, the bill would also seek to ensure that U.S.
servicemen and women are afforded the maximum protection of a strong
international legal framework guaranteed by respect for such provisions
as the Geneva Conventions and other international standards, and to
restore America’s moral authority as the leader in the world in
advancing the rule of law.

“I take a backseat to no one when it comes to protecting this country
from terrorists,” Sen. Dodd said. “But there is a right way to do this
and a wrong way to do this. It’s clear the people who perpetrated these
horrendous crimes against our country and our people have no moral
compass and deserve to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But
in taking away their legal rights, the rights first codified in our
country’s Constitution, we’re taking away our own moral compass, as well.”

The Effective Terrorists Prosecution Act:
* Restores Habeas Corpus protections to detainees
* Narrows the definition of unlawful enemy combatant to individuals who
directly participate in hostilities against the United States who are
not lawful combatants
* Bars information gained through coercion from being introduced as
evidence in trials
* Empowers military judges to exclude hearsay evidence the deem to be
unreliable
* Authorizes the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces to review
decisions by the Military commissions
* Limits the authority of the President to interpret the meaning and
application of the Geneva Conventions and makes that authority subject
to congressional and judicial oversight
* Provides for expedited judicial review of the Military Commissions Act
of 2006 to determine the constitutionally of its provisions

“We in Congress have our own obligation, to work in a bipartisan way to
repair the damage that has been done, to protect our international
reputation, to preserve our domestic traditions, and to provide a
successful mechanism to improve and enhance the tools required by the
global war on terror,” Dodd said.


more at:
http://atrios.blogspot.com/2006_11_12_atrios_archive.html#116370658466158828

[Norquist Nemesis]

1. BIG KICK & R!!!

[Bluestar]

12. Hip Hip Hooray!!

The Democrats are really concentrating on what is important here. This is the bill that gives me sleepless nights.

Thank you, Senator Dodd.

[TayTay]

2. Excellent! does this carry-over to the new Congress

Or does it have to be re-introduced? It has no chance in this Congress, but it should pass, with a lot of co-sponsors in the next Congress.

Thanks Senator! :patriot:

[tnlurker]

14. No

This would not carry over to the new congress. It would have to be resubmitted unless it passes and is signed by the president(very doubtful at this time)

[Maraya1969]

77. Welcome to DU tnlurker!

:hi:

[calimary]

64. Let's stay on this WITH him, and make sure he - AND OTHERS in

the Senate, both staying and leaving, know we are there. The louder and more vocal and more unavoidable we make ourselves, the more likely they'll be forced to see things our way. I mean, a precedent WAS set last week, after all. Some of them have learned the hard way what happens when you ignore the will of the people. It's important for us to make sure we keep them constantly reminded of that. Make sure you have Dodd's back - and let him know. And let other Senators know it, too.

[texpatriot2004]

3. Well that's something to scream about! Yeah! nm

[NoSheep]

4. Brilliant! And thanks for posting!

[kpete]

36. made my day - YES!!!

an you are welcome...kp

[longship]

5. This, on top of Conrad/Dorgan yesterday, shows Dems with...

Cojones!!!!

We don't need the majority to have our way. All we need is guts.

[eleny]

6. Thank you Sen. Dodd!!!

K&R!

[lander]

42. When I see that emoticon...

...I can't help but hear "I'm in love with Katie Holmes! I'm in love with Katie Holmes!" in my head.

[Homer Wells]

7. Kicked and Recommended

[understandinglife]

8. Now this is leadership! Thank you Senator Dodd.

Recommended.

Thank you, as always, kpete for keeping us all up-to-date ....

[kpete]

68. NEVER FORGET!

Never will...and thanks

[montanacowboy]

9. CHRIS DODD GETS IT!!!!

KICK

[tex-wyo-dem]

10. K & R!!

Excellent!

Let's make it retroactive, as well...wouldn't want any get out of jail free cards for you know who.

[grizmaster]

11. Doesn't go far enough

should read ELIMINATES not limits in this section

* Limits the authority of the President to interpret the meaning and application of the Geneva Conventions and makes that authority subject to congressional and judicial oversight


And the War Crimes Act should be fully restored

And most importantly the immunity granted for bush's war crimes should be revoked.

[midnight]

66. I agree those two adjustment would help me get over my

feelings of dispair over this abuse. But why can't we just remove it completely from the table?

[grizmaster]

69. A complete removal of the law is the only

completely satisfactory solution. But I could accept if they at least gave the prisoners the rights under the USMCJ

[derby378]

13. Wouldn't it be much simpler to repeal the MCA?

All that El Diablo has to do is attach a signing statement to Dodd's bill (if it passes) and we're back to square one.

[mmonk]

28. Yes

And that's what should be done. No political posturing.

[gaja]

53. but, but I want my global war on terra

[tobefree]

78. It's not really a law......

US Constitution, Article one, Section 7.
Bush signed two bills on the 17 of Oct. The MCA was one of them.
On October 10, Congress adjourned for the election cycle. You will read in the constitution that if a bill is signed when the congress is in adjournment, the signing of the bill is tantamount to a veto. It's actually called a "pocket veto". Even though Bush signed the bill within the ten-day window, congress, by its adjournment, prevented the bill from being returned to them...."in which Case it shall not be a law."

Check it out.

The other bill that got signed that day was the eavsdropping bill.

Mike Alvey

[tobefree]

79. oops, correction to last sentence.....

oops, it wasn't the eaves dropping bill, it was this one:

Public Law 109-364, or the "John Warner Defense Authorization Act of
2007" (H.R.5122) (2), which was signed by the commander in chief on
October 17th, 2006, in a private Oval Office ceremony, allows the
President to declare a "public emergency" and station troops anywhere
in America and take control of state-based National Guard units
without the consent of the governor or local authorities, in order
to "suppress public disorder."

[MANative]

15. I am very proud that Sen Dodd represents my state

of CT. The other guy from my state? - not so much...

[cool user name]

16. Chris Dodd: An American Hero!

:clap:

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

17. KICK!!

[indepat]

18. May anyone voting against Dobbs' legislation receive thousands of e-mails asking: Why do you hate

our Constitution? And please don't give us any shit about protecting us from terraists because that is not what the MCA is all about. Every patriotic American wants each elected official to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution in accordance with his/her oath of office.

:patriot:

Edited to add sentence

[texpatriot2004]

19. Well said. nm

[Alexander]

20. This is good - and I hear Dodd might want to run for president.

[Rob H.]

21. Kick-ass!

Kicked and recommended. Go, Senator Dodd! :yourock:

[gully]

22. And Mr. Bush is over the big "I" barrell. LOVE IT!

Sanity - slowly returning to the US of A!

[riverwalker]

23. His Dad was Nuremberg prosecutor

His father, Thomas Dodd was one of the lead prosecutors during the Nuremberg war crimes tribunals before he was elected to the United States Senate.
Like father, like son.:toast:

[Parisle]

24. Dodd is on a roll,....

---- He has also recently been engaged in the pursuit and investigation of shady credit card operations and practices,... a major scam these days. He's Connecticut's "Robin Hood."

[Disturbed]

26. It should read ELIMINATES

As grizmaster posted:

Doesn't go far enough/ should read ELIMINATES not limits in this section

* Limits the authority of the President to interpret the meaning and application of the Geneva Conventions and makes that authority subject to congressional and judicial oversight


And the War Crimes Act should be fully restored

And most importantly the immunity granted for bush's war crimes should be revoked.


Let's hope this gets introduced in Feb. '07 with stronger language.

[grizmaster]

70. We've got till then to get the wording strengthened

otherwise we remain a rogue nation in violation of the Geneva Convention.

[opusprime]

25. Darth Cheney will never allow this...

[Supersedeas]

76. The Constitution Strikes back Mr. Cheney

[tritsofme]

27. DOA, unfortunately

This POS had 12 Democrats going along for the ride.

Not to mention the veto pen of Herr Bush.

[lovuian]

29. Good for Dodd

:patriot:

[AzDar]

30. Excellent news!! n/t

[justinaforjustice]

31. Show Support for Dodd's Bill

I just sent faxes to Chris Dodd's D.C. and Conn. offices thanking him for working to restore our constitutional rights.
Here are his fax numbers:

Fax: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[MasonJar]

32. Way to go, Chris Dodd. Also Reid is preparing voting rights

legislation and Boxer is planning environmental changes. The Dems are coming out swinging and it is about time.

[Javaman]

33. I'm so glad to hear this, but it's clearly shows how the repukes basically

chose to take our rights away and that a need for a bill like this is required just to reenstate the Constitution once again.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

[AlamoDemoc]

34. thank you Sen. Dodd......Rec'd

[dogday]

35. Wow-Wee that is nice reading

I just can't believe this is finally happening....

[Morgana LaFey]

37. Fantastic

Just fantastic.

[Canuckistanian]

38. Yippee! It's 1215 again!

And now, the modern day barons in charge (the Senators) are compelling the sovereign to ONCE AGAIN sign the agreement limiting regal powers.

Welcome back to the 13th century!

[Land Shark]

41. Yes, this bill is good news, but will it just get us back to 1600 or?

[kpete]

44. It is a commitment to hope

and a brighter future...k

[Canuckistanian]

49. Well, we'll tackle the Renaissance first...

Then progress to the Reformation. We should get to the Victorian Era in late 2007....

[David Zephyr]

39. Senator Chris Dodd!

K&R

[mom cat]

40. I did not see anything in the Dodd Bill that would eliminate the

protection from prosecution for Bush and company. Without that reversal, the Dodd bill would be complicit in protecting Bush from the trial for war crimes that he deserves.

[Greybnk48]

43. Wonderful news!!

[Patsy Stone]

45. Excellent!

Thanks, Chris. :patriot:

[sonias]

46. Thank you Chris Dodd

Now I hope the rest of Congress gets with the program of restoring our constitution!

Sonia

[Ninja Jordan]

47. YES!!

[SouthernBelle82]

48. Good news!

I'm happy to hear about this. :) Go Dodd! It's about time. I'd love to hear the rightwingers on this.

[focusfan]

50. I'm glad that Habeas corpus maybe reinstated

this man knows what America wants.I would love to see Bush
without so much power.

[tom_paine]

51. K & R

[Maven]

52. K & R

I'd rather have it repealed entirely, but this covers all the important points.

[badgerpup]

54. Big damn K & R!!

Seeing this gave me such a lift...
amazing the 'empowerment' that having backup will give ya...
Senator Dodd, :yourock: sir! :patriot:



:kick:

[Generator]

55. This is what all that imploring

to vote for Dinos was all about. NOW, let's pray those same Dinos don't stand in the way of this. Hope is alive.

[IWantAChange]

56. Curtain is being lowered and Dubyha has no

place to hide - hopefully the Imperial Presidency is in its last throes.

[emald]

57. It seems so odd that we have to have legislation to get back to a place..

where these rights and provisions are accorded us. Christ almighty, what have we become? I mean habeas gone? and now trying to get it back with legislation? I'm astounded, every day, that the monkey who is our pResident isn't in prison. The idiot lied his pants off, without argument. Lied to use military force in aggression against a country which was not a threat, lied to that effect with malice aforethought, and yet people are still kowtowing to this worm as though his meaningless life had some value to it. This little actor has done all he can to turn modern america into a futuristic third reich sort of weirdness.

And now we have the duty to try and enact legislation that curtails this dimwits damage to the constitution. What a time to witness; not good or enjoyable but intensely interesting.

[kpete]

58. Info from - THE HILL

Senate Dems plan overhaul of military tribunals bill
By Roxana Tiron

Gearing up for a major clash with the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress, several key Senate Democrats are planning to overhaul the newly minted legislation governing military tribunals of detainees.

Even before it was signed into the law last month, Democrats were criticizing the military commission bill as unconstitutional and a magnet or endless legal challenges.

Defense lawyers working on behalf of military detainees at Guantanamo Bay quickly filed suits with the U.S. District Court challenging the constitutionality of the tribunal bill because it suspends the writ of habeas corpus, a court order that would allow detainees to have the legality of their detention reviewed in court to determine whether they should be released from custody.

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who is running for president and who, come January, will be the second ranking Democrat on the International Relations Committee, introduced legislation today that would amend the existing law.

Dodd said he’s expecting the legislation to be taken up early next year.


http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/111606/tribunal.html

[eridani]

59. Talk about something to make us forget about Hoyer vs Murtha!

I look forward to a LOT more of that.

[moodforaday]

60. K&R, and thanks

[kentuck]

61. this is what we voted for...

K & R!

[upi402]

62. when sanity looks like heaven...

it must mean 6 years of Republican insanity is finally over!

[Maat]

63. YES!!!

America restored to a representative democracy to be respected - standing in contrast to a totalitarian state!

[Jennicut]

65. We have one great Senator in Connecticut

Unlike my other Senator, the backstabbing, power hungry, war encouraging Joe Loserman. Thank you Chris Dodd for speaking up about this. It will not pass but it will draw attention to the problems with Bushie's MAC. This is why it is so important that we not only have the House and Senate as well as we need a Dem president (hopefully not a Repub-lite Dem) to tear up this act and throw it in the rubbish where it belongs. :patriot:

[WinstonSmith4740]

67. Thank you Senator Dodd!!!

This is very good news!!:bounce:

[RestoreGore]

71. How do you now pass it without a veto? n/t

[Marnieworld]

72. I salute you Senator

:patriot:

I love that no time was wasted in putting this forward.

[pberq]

73. Kick & Nominated

[myrna minx]

74. Thank you Senator Dodd.

Faith in my country has been restored.

[nam78_two]

75. K&R

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[The Stranger]

80. Arrest the criminals running the concentration camp now.

[lady lib]

81. Thank God!!! n/t

[mrJJ]

82. The games begin !!!

WASHINGTON -- A Senate Democrat who will chair its Judiciary Committee next year asked the Justice Department to release newly acknowledged documents setting U.S. policy on how suspects in the war on terrorism are detained and interrogated.

"The American people deserve to have detailed and accurate information about the role of the Bush administration in developing the interrogation policies and practices that have engendered such deep criticism and concern at home and around the world," Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., wrote Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.


Leahy demanded two documents whose existence the CIA recently acknowledged in response to a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union.

"If President Bush and the Justice Department authorized the CIA to torture its prisoners, the public has a right to know," said Jameel Jaffer, an ACLU attorney involved in the case.

The first document is a directive Bush signed giving the CIA authority to set up detention facilities outside the U.S. and outlining interrogation methods that may be used against detainees.

The second is a 2002 memo from the Justice Department's office of Legal Counsel to the CIA General Counsel regarding interrogation methods that the spy agency may use against top al Qaida members.

Leahy asked Gonzales to produce any revisions and analyses of those and other memos. He also requested agency documents that interpret the scope of interrogation practices permitted and prohibited by the detainee Treatment Act or the Military Commissions Act.

A Justice Department spokesman had no immediate comment

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/17/AR2006111701446.html