Commerce, Justice, Science, And Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010--Resumed

Floor Speech

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Mr. REED. Mr. President, we all recognize the severity of this issue and the passion the Senator from South Carolina brings to the issue. But since 9/11, we have tried 195 terrorists in article III courts; we have tried 3 in military commissions. I think we have recognized that our courts are durable enough to stand up to the issues of the culpability of these individuals and the magnitude of their actions. Secretary Gates and Attorney General Holder have asked for the option to use article III courts or military commissions. We are preserving that if we reject the Graham amendment.

Let me say something else. Our enemies see themselves as jihadists--holy warriors. They don't object to being tried in military commissions because they see themselves as combatant warriors. They are criminals. They committed murder. The sooner we can convince the world that these aren't holy warriors, that they are criminals, the sooner we will take an advantage in this battle of ideas between those people and the system of laws and justice that we represent and try to protect and defend.

So I recognize the sincerity and the passion of the Senator, but I would urge a vote against this amendment, and I move to table the amendment.

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