Cord Byrd: “Mr. President, I shall offer an amendment today that provides a 5-year sunset to any Presidential authorization of any…”

“Mr. President, I shall offer an amendment today that provides a 5-year sunset to any Presidential authorization of any military commission enacted under the legislation currently being debated. This amendment which I shall offer is essential to the ability of the Congress to retain its power of oversight and as an important check on future executive actions. Unfortunately, though, in the feverish climate of a looming election, the most important business of the Senate may suffer. We have seen before the fever of politics can undermine the serious business of the Congress once November and the winds of November draw nigh. We have seen the mistakes that can come when Congress rushes to legislate without the benefit of thorough vetting by committees, without adequate debate, without the opportunity to offer amendments. Likewise, when legislation is pushed as a means of political showboating instead of by a diligent commitment to our constitutional duties, the results can be disastrous.”