Members of the House of Representatives from both sides of the aisle sent an emphatic message to the White House tonight, voting 308-122 to instruct House negotiators to include the Senate-passed McCain amendment banning the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by any US personnel anywhere in the world. The White House has fought the legal standards, seeking immunity for CIA personnel and other exemptions. The Senate passed the amendment by a 90-9 vote in October.
“The House and Senate have now spoken loud and clear, with a single message: the United States will not permit cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. The only way this standard could fail to pass the Congress now is through closed-door negotiations that defy the will of the majority of Members of the House. It will be very difficult at this point for opponents who favor cruel and degrading methods to block the provisions from becoming law,” said Elisa Massimino, Washington Director of Human Rights First. “Congress has properly asserted its right to set rules guaranteeing the humane treatment of prisoners in U.S. custody. The vote for a uniform and humane standard will aid America’s cause in the war on terror, protects U.S. service members, and is consistent with the values of this country.”
Contact:
Kirsten Powers (212) 845-5260
