Ellison Statement on President Obama's Counterterrorism Speech

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement in response to President Obama's speech the future of our fight against terrorism:

"Today President Obama made a commitment to bring U.S. counterterrorism policy more in line with American values. Establishing rules to govern our country's drone program is a long overdue step to rein in the program and regain the trust and respect of the world community. I welcome the President's call to work with Congress. I have been working with fellow members of Congress to create rules to regulate drones for over a year now and am working on legislation to improve oversight and accountability of the program. Just last week, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which I co-chair, held a hearing on the consequences of our drone policy.

"I fully support the President's call to repeal the outdated Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which was not intended to authorize the use of force anywhere at any time when Congress passed it in 2001.

"The President also reiterated his call to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, which continues to serve as a recruitment poster for Al-Qaeda and violates America's commitment to justice and human rights.

"Lastly, the President affirmed the vital role that the American Muslim community has played in the fight against terrorism. One of the best ways to defeat the Al-Qaeda-driven myth that America is at war with Islam is to point to the many essential, productive roles American Muslims play in our daily lives. We cannot let tragedies like the Boston terrorist attack degrade our civil liberties and American values.

"The people of Minnesota's 5th District have expressed their concerns to me about drones, perpetual war and Guantanamo Bay. I have been working hard to address them. It is long past time to move beyond this chapter in American history and reengage with the world through greater diplomacy and development."

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