William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “A few moments ago, a Member stated that the McDermott language only restates what's in current law. I would be very…”

“A few moments ago, a Member stated that the McDermott language only restates what's in current law. I would be very interested for any Member who can come to the floor and tell me where in current law it says any officer or employee of the intelligence community who forces an individual to be naked goes to jail for 15 years. Sometimes there's a good reason to ask someone to take their clothes off--to make sure they don't have bombs strapped around their waist. And yet an intelligence officer who does that under the McDermott language is liable for 15 years in jail. The McDermott language says an officer or employee in the intelligence community who deprives an individual of necessary sleep goes to jail for 15 years. Now, I cannot believe the many good Members on both sides of the aisle who are concerned about prosecuting terrorists, about keeping the country safe, have thought through the implications of this language. And to have it included in a manager's amendment along with 20 other amendments is just amazing to me. I strongly encourage every Member of the House to read this language and be careful before you vote on it.”