KWAME HOLMAN: But Hunter's counterpart in the Senate, Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner, has crafted an alternative proposal with colleagues John McCain and Lindsey Graham. Theirs would not allow the use of coerced testimony or permit secret evidence.SEN. JOHN WARNER (R), Virginia: I recognize fully that there are honest differences of opinion with respect to very complicated legal issues.
KWAME HOLMAN: And Warner argues the House bill, like the president's proposal, would lower the standard for the treatment of detainees, putting U.S. troops at risk should other countries retaliate.
The president's former secretary of state, Colin Powell, echoed that sentiment in a letter sent to McCain and released today. He wrote, "The world is beginning to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism." Redefining Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions "would add to those doubts."
Asked about the letter at the White House this afternoon, Mr. Bush responded that Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions must be altered so that interrogators can adequately reap information from terrorists.
GEORGE W. BUSH: If there's ambiguity, if there's any doubt in our professionals' mind that they can conduct their operations in a legal way with support of the Congress, the program won't go forward and the American people will be endangered.
KWAME HOLMAN: This afternoon, Senator Warner pushed through his proposal on military tribunals with support from all committee Democrats, despite the concerns of several conservative Republicans. Alabama's Jeff Sessions said the debate over Article 3 already was having a negative impact on American intelligence personnel.
SEN. JEFF SESSIONS (R), Alabama: We have agents around the world that are getting nervous and frustrated. They are there because we sent them. Many of them are at great risk, and they're now beginning to wonder if their service to the country could actually lead to them being charged or sued and buying insurance and that kind of thing.
KWAME HOLMAN: The battle now shifts to the floors of the Senate and House. Both chambers would have to reach agreement to get a bill to President Bush before they adjourn at the end of the month.
Shields and Brooks Examine Security Debate, Politics in 2010
