Douglas Alexander: “when the Senate reconvenes in September, one of the first orders of business will be the Defense authorization bill.…”

“when the Senate reconvenes in September, one of the first orders of business will be the Defense authorization bill. During August, I respectfully suggest the President reconsider his opposition to legislation that would set the rules for the treatment and interrogation of detainees. I have decided to cosponsor three amendments to the Defense authorization bill that clarify our policies relative to detainees from the war on terror. There has been some debate about whether it is appropriate for Congress to set rules on the treatment of detainees, but for me this question isn't even close. The people through their elected representatives should set the rules for how detainees and prisoners under U.S. control are treated and interrogated. In the short term, the President can set the rules, but the war on terror is now nearly 4 years old. We don't want judges making up the rules. So, for the long term, the people should set the rules. That is why we have a independent Congress. In fact, the Constitution says, quite clearly, that is what Congress should do: article I, section 8 of the Constitution says that Congress, and Congress alone, shall have the power to ``make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.'' So Congress has a responsibility to set clear rules here. But the spirit of these amendments is really one that I hope the White House will decide to embrace.…”