Senator Mark Udall and Rep. Adam Smith launch an effort to protect U.S. citizens from indefinite detention and preserve civil liberties.
Mac Slavo
March 9th, 2012
SHTFplan.com
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Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) have unveiled legislation in the Senate and House which would ensure that any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system. The bill would repeal the provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 that requires the military to detain on U.S. soil any individuals suspected of terrorism.
The National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Obama while most Americans remained oblivious to its existence as they brought in the New Year, allows for the indefinite detainment of American citizens without charge, evidence or trial. And though supporters of the NDAA argue that the bill is designed only for foreigners engaging in terrorism against the United States, public outcry over that much power residing with the Executive Branch forced the President to include a ‘promise’ at signing to the effect that he would never use the provisions of the Act against American citizens.
Despite the promises, because the NDAA does not clearly exclude Americans, there is no legal ramification for the President or a future Chief Executive if they implement the law against Americans and hold them indefinitely without due process.