Jeff Bingaman: “I came to the floor two days ago to express my concern about the administration's detention policies with respect to…”

“I came to the floor two days ago to express my concern about the administration's detention policies with respect to three different categories of individuals, and this is particularly in the period since 9/11. One of those groups I spoke about was immigrants. There, of course, the concern has been underscored by the report done by the inspector general in the Department of Justice pointing out the abuses that have been engaged in by both the Department of Justice and the FBI with regard to immigrants after the 9/11 tragedy. Another group I spoke about were material witnesses. There have been several abuses there. In some cases, I think the FBI has acknowledged that. I think, again, we have a serious issue there of adequate attention to civil liberties and human rights. The third group I spoke about is the group designated by the Department of Defense and the President as so-called enemy combatants. That is a group my amendment deals with today. The amendment is very straightforward with regard to these individuals. It requires a report.”