John Kerry: “in recent weeks the American people and Members of the Senate have heard allegations about the existence of secret…”

“in recent weeks the American people and Members of the Senate have heard allegations about the existence of secret prison facilities operated by the U.S. Government in various countries around the world. Now, I know many of my colleagues take this matter very seriously. The Central Intelligence Agency has reportedly requested a Justice Department investigation of how classified intelligence information made its way into print. Clearly, the revelation of the potential of these programs is a serious national security matter. It is one we can all agree on, no matter where we sit. No one in this Chamber underestimates the seriousness of the war on radical Islamic terrorists. It is a war we have to win, we must win. And no one underestimates the depravity and the viciousness of our enemies. We do not need to look any further than the bombings last night in Jordan to once again be reminded of the kind of enemy we face--an enemy willing to always target the innocent. We know that success in any war requires the informed consent of the American people. And in an issue as sensitive as this, that informed consent can only be derived from the Congress's full and appropriate understanding and involvement in these issues. That in and of itself requires information and cooperation from the administration so we in Congress can provide effective and informed oversight. That begins by knowing what the money we authorize and appropriate is being used to do.…”