Lewis Slams Intel Bill for Failing to Provide Common-Sense Provisions on Gitmo Transfers, Miranda Rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Ranking Member Jerry Lewis today slammed the recently unveiled Intelligence Reauthorization bill – which will reportedly be brought to a vote on the House floor tomorrow – saying that it weakens national security by not preventing dangerous terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay from being transferred into the U.S., and by allowing enemy combatants the same legal “Miranda” rights as American citizens when they are captured on the battlefield.

 

Democrat leaders will reportedly call for a vote on the legislation in a last-minute rush before Congress adjourns for the election season. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Lewis has repeatedly pushed for prohibitions on the transfer of Guantanamo detainees and limits on the “Miranda” rights for enemies of the United States. Several of these provisions have previously passed the House, but were not included in the Intelligence legislation.

 

“It is completely irresponsible, and potentially dangerous, for the Democrat majority to approve this flawed Intelligence Reauthorization Act in a rushed mad dash before the election. The American people – and the members of this House – have been very clear… they refuse to sacrifice the safety of this country by giving terrorists the same rights and privileges as American citizens on American soil,” Lewis said.  

 

“This is the wrong bill, at the wrong time. Instead of pushing to get a marginal political ‘victory’ to tout on the campaign trail, Democrat leaders should be taking a more serious and comprehensive look at how to effectively make the country safer and more secure in the future,” Lewis continued.