Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2475, Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2475, INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 -- (House of Representatives - June 21, 2005)
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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the rule with a very simple question: What is the House Republican leadership afraid of? We say we want to promote democracy around the world. We say we want to set a good example to others, and yet the House leadership seeks to block a vote today. That is what this argument is about, a vote today on the Waxman amendment, which would simply create an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate abuses at Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay, and other places around the world.
Unfortunately, the only example we seem to be setting these days is the example of the ostrich, to bury our heads in the sand, to ignore the facts, to ignore the truth.
The Bush administration and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle say that the reports of human rights abuses at these facilities have been greatly exaggerated. Then what are they afraid of? The chairman of the Intelligence Committee just says these are serious issues. They are serious issues.
We do not want quarter-truths; we do not want half-truths. Let us get at the full truth, the good, the bad and the ugly. People around the world look to the United States, not just for the statements we make, but for the actions we take. And Americans have been shocked at the reports of abuses because they know these actions do not reflect our values, and that is what this is about, our values.
And they do not represent us as a people. The United States throughout its history has been a great beacon of human rights. And very sadly, that beacon has been dimmed by the abuses that have been taking place. And the best way to reclaim our credibility on this issue is to squarely face the facts and those abuses.
We must lead by our example. We must show we will not run from the truth even when it is unpleasant. Only by confronting the truth can we learn from our mistakes. Only by examining our own conduct can we credibly talk about the misconduct of others. Let us show the world that a strong, competent Nation does not run from or hide from the truth. Let us once again lead by example.
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