Providing for Consideration of H. REs. 627, Deploring Abuse of Persons in U.S. Custody in Iraq
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 627, DEPLORING ABUSE OF PERSONS IN UNITED STATES CUSTODY IN IRAQ -- (House of Representatives - May 06, 2004)
Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 628 and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 628
Resolved, That upon the adoption of this resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the resolution (H. Res. 627) deploring the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of their detention, urging the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any member of the Armed Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, expressing the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous and honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other purposes. The resolution shall be considered as read for amendment. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution to final adoption without intervening motion or demand for a division of the question except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services; and (2) one motion to recommit which may not contain instructions.
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Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, well, it is obvious from this resolution to me that the days of the "buck stops here" are dead and gone. Oh, yes, it takes occasion to single out those individuals who do have blame for abusing in the most horrendous way our prisoners. But nowhere in here does it say that those who are in the leadership of this mission in Iraq hold any responsibility whatsoever.
I looked through this carefully, and it seems that they want to limit it to a few individuals that they will go after. And by the way, not just the right individuals. There is no mention in this of the private military contractors, individuals who for profit are in those prisons that we know are under investigation, may even have been giving orders, companies like Titan and C
ACI that were hired to be in those prisons that are not part of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Where are we going to point our fingers at them and hold them accountable?