Senator, you walk straight into the constitutional separation of powers in your language and you say: The Secretary of State shall--that is a direct order--notify other parties to the Geneva Conventions. You are putting a direct order to…

I say to the chairman, it is my judgment that this amendment is really in the nature of a substitute for the oversight responsibilities of the committee. As we both know, the world environment changes overnight. This business of trying to…

I regret that you perceive that this bill on the floor falls short of your idea of the goals. But I assure you the group with which I worked did everything we could--and I think we have succeeded, I say in all respects--certainly with…

We have our differences, if I may say, but that was a war of state-sponsored nations and aggressions, men wearing uniforms, men acting at the direction of recognized governments. Today's war is a disparate bunch of terrorists, coming…

I find this Congress has a very high degree of vigilance in overseeing the exercise of the executive powers as it relates to the war against those whom I view as jihadists, those who have no respect for, indeed, the religion which they…

If you are not caught within this period of time, when this went into effect, then you are no longer going to be held accountable. I, and I think every Member of this body, regret that this Nation or other nations or a consortium of…

I respectfully say that our bill does, in my judgment. Clearly, it constitutes an affirmation of the treaties. I would not want to send a message at this time that there could come a point, namely, December 31, 2011, that such assurances…

I spoke in strong opposition to this amendment. Again, I think it tries to displace the oversight that is performed by the Intelligence Committee. I would like to add the following bit of information. On September 28 of this year, GEN…

Lastly, Mr. President, I ask my colleague, he makes reference to the illegal searches and seizures, which is the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That Constitution does not give protection to aliens who are the subject of these…

the Senator has recited that our committee had a markup on a bill. That was after receiving from the administration its own bill. So in a sense, the Senate had before it two bills. Perhaps the formalities I will not go into. But the Senate…

Correct, but the judge of the court is going to look at that evidence. We have set forth certain standards that have to be met, but one standard that judge cannot violate is the standard of torture. If that case can be made, then that…

I wish to make clear that category of evidence cannot reach those established standards of torture. No evidence that was gained by means that are tantamount to the torture can be admitted.

I was particularly taken by Senator Levin's reference to General Washington and what General Washington said with regard to prisoners. But we must be mindful that General Washington was facing the King's Army. Those were uniformed…

we have clearly debated it, but I want to make, in conclusion, the observation that no evidence which is the consequence of torture can be admitted. The aliens are not entitled to the constitutional provisions of the fourth amendment and…

at the present time, the members of the Armed Services Committee of the Senate and the members of the Armed Services Committee of the House are in a conference. A great deal of confidentiality is attached to that procedure. I do not in any…

Yes, Mr. President, without losing my right to the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The President is notified of the Senate's action with respect to this nomination. ____________________

I would make an inquiry. I inquire of the distinguished majority leader if the Senate Armed Services Committee could be added to that list and, therefore, be able to continue our hearing.

I thank the Senator. That is well known to this Senator--that the Senator from Michigan and that side of the aisle has been totally cooperative in having a markup. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Mr. McCAIN. Mr…

I return to the President's August 21 news conference. That sets the tenor for how we should address this debate not only in the Senate but across the land as we direct our attention to this important subject. The President concludes…

I respect my colleague's views. We have had this debate several times before. I recognize and feel, as do you, as do I and I think every Member of this Chamber, the extraordinary losses in this country of 2,600-some men and women who have…

This outlines the course we will embark on at this point in time. I urge my colleagues to read this letter in the context of our debate today. I thank my colleague. Exhibit 1--Response From the Chief of Staff Josh Bolten to a Democratic…

I will eventually address my own remarks, but as the distinguished Democratic leader spoke, we had the majority leader here. It was his intention, of course, to follow the Democratic leader with his remarks. He was called to the White…

at this point in time, I reserve, with the understanding that I encourage it be agreed to, but the distinguished Senator from Texas, the Senator from Alaska, and others are going to work on the sequencing over here, so I wonder if we could…

at this time, we seek the benefit of the comments of the Senator from Texas. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas is recognized.

before my colleague departs, I wonder if I might engage in a colloquy with him. I am the next speaker on this side. I have allowed my colleagues to go ahead of me to accommodate them. If the Senator wants to recite his unanimous consent…