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Washington, D.C.---Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.) yesterday would affirm in law the arguments that the Obama Administration has used since March 2009 to defend its terrorist detention policies in federal court. The provision, included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, would affirm that the United States is engaged in an armed conflict with al-Qaeda, the Taliban and associated forces pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force from 2001. Further, it would affirm that the President’s authority pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) includes the authority to detain certain belligerents until the termination of hostilities. McKeon’s efforts are necessary because of the Administration’s reliance on the original AUMF, which was enacted nearly ten years ago, as its justification to detain individuals captured in the ongoing war against terrorists. This was a change from the Bush Administration which largely relied on its inherent executive authority to detain and try enemy combatants....

Washington, D.C.---Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Calif.) today, in unveiling his version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, focused attention on the committee's efforts to strengthen policies and procedures used to prosecute and detain terrorists. The killing of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and the threats posed by al-Qaeda cells in Yemen and Africa underscore the evolving and continuing nature of the terrorist threat to the United States. “Nearly 10 years after 9/11 and passage of the original authorization to use military force, this year's defense authorization bill reaffirms our commitment to prioritize intelligence-collection and bring to justice the terrorists and violent extremists who seek to do us harm. Let’s make one thing clear, though—this bill does not expand the war effort. Instead, the legislation better aligns the old legal authorities used to detain and prosecute those intent on attacking America with the threats our country faces today. Our legislation seeks to do this in a manner that is consistent with the interpretation of those authorities by U.S. courts and the current and past Administrations," said McKeon. The Armed Services Committee Chairman continued, "President Obama deserves credit for pressing against al-Qaeda terrorists, including the operation that killed bin Laden. This success highlights the continued need to take the fight to the enemy until they no longer pose a grave threat to the United States. Congress has a responsibility to ensure the President and his Administration have the necessary tools at their disposal to hold these terrorists accountable."...

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