Arlen Specter: “I noted that a key Member of the House of Representatives was quoted in this morning's press as not having been…”

“I noted that a key Member of the House of Representatives was quoted in this morning's press as not having been consulted. I noted the chairman is also quoted in the press as having not been consulted. That is the President's right. He can take his action, but under the separation of powers we have our own rights. The Congress has the authority to make those determinations. That is what the Constitution says. We have the authority to decide how those trials will be conducted. Of course, we are in a very difficult situation. We face a struggle for survival with what happened on September 11. The executive branch is entitled to great deference, but we are entitled to know the reasons for the President's order and its scope. Such a military tribunal need not have a trial by jury, which would be expected. Not to have a trial by jury is a military court-martial. There is no explicit privilege against self-incrimination. That is something we have to consider. There is even no right of the defendant to choose his counsel.”