On the recordNovember 17, 2011
Let me just say to my colleague, whom I respect and count as a friend, the critical difference between the Senator from Michigan and the Senator from South Carolina is this: The Hamdi case involved an American citizen, part of the Taliban, arrested in Afghanistan, OK? The Senator from South Carolina made that point when he said the word ``overseas.'' Unfortunately, section 1031 does not create that distinction. An American citizen arrested in the United States, charged with terrorism, without any connection to overseas conduct-- having been arrested overseas, I should say--is still going to be subject to indefinite detention. The only thing I would add is this: I think this is a good exchange, and I think we need more. The notion that we have to hurry up and get this done in the next 5 minutes is not, I don't think, an appropriate way to deal with this. I know Senator Paul and Senator Merkley are waiting, and I am prepared to yield the floor at this point. If this matter comes up again this evening, I hope we can engage in further discussion.
