Preserving The CIA Program

PRESERVING THE CIA PROGRAM -- (House of Representatives - September 26, 2006)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week we will consider legislation to authorize military tribunals for the prosecution of suspected terrorists and clarify Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention.

Strenuous interrogation is vital in our efforts to win the global war on terrorism. The CIA program has produced intelligence that has saved countless lives. KSM, the mastermind of 9/11, was arrested as a result of information developed from the program.

The clarification of Common Article 3 will preserve the CIA interrogation program. As a JAG officer for 28 years, I support providing definitions. We do not want to leave our men and women vulnerable to prosecution under vague international law.

I commend Chairman Duncan Hunter for reaching a good bargain with President Bush and the Senate. I look forward to voting in favor of the Military Commissions Act and advancing our efforts to win the global war on terrorism to protect American families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

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