Overwhelming passage of McCain amendment affirms rule of law, American values

In a 90-9 vote Wednesday night, the U.S. Senate passed an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill rejecting the Bush administration’s failed and destructive policies on the treatment of detainees. The amendment, introduced by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), prohibits “cruel, inhuman, or degrading” treatment and provides clear guidance to troops.

“The overwhelming bipartisan support for Sen. McCain’s amendment is a powerful affirmation of American values and the rule of law,” said People For the American Way President Ralph G. Neas. “It is troubling that the Bush administration fought so hard to prevent passage of this amendment, but heartening that the Senate has taken this long-overdue step. The Bush administration’s detention policies run contrary to American values and violate basic principles of human dignity.”

Neas noted that former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell and former Gen. John Shalikashvili also supported the amendment.