Jon L. Christensen: “I rise in opposition to S. 3930, the Military Commission Act of 2006 because it is too broad, overly inclusive and…”

“I rise in opposition to S. 3930, the Military Commission Act of 2006 because it is too broad, overly inclusive and potentially unconstitutional. While I also vividly remember the horrors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, I believe that Congress should carefully and constitutionally craft a bill which effectively punishes all terrorists and potential terrorists while at the same time maintaining the safety and security of our citizens from future terrorist attacks. The definition of an ``unlawful combatant'' in Section 948(a.) of this bill is indicative of its over-inclusiveness. It creates legal loopholes and in my view, leaves even U.S. Citizens vulnerable to being classified as unlawful combatants. This definition does not exclude nor does it seek to exclude U.S. Citizens from being indefinitely detained. The President or one of his designees can simply determine that a fellow U.S. Citizen is an ``unlawful enemy combatant'' and this would suffice as sufficient evidence to detain this citizen indefinitely without any access to his family, an attorney or any form of judicial review. Furthermore, the term ``purposefully and materially supported hostilities'' is overly broad and would lead to many innocent acts being transformed into terrorist activities.”