[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 627 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                           May 6, 2004.
Whereas the American people and the world are dismayed by revelations of abuses 
        inflicted upon detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad;
Whereas the military justice process so far has resulted in charges being 
        brought against six individuals, three of whom have been recommended for 
        trial by court martial;
Whereas the investigation by the United States Central Command has identified 
        problems of leadership, chain of command, and training that contributed 
        to the instances of abuse;
Whereas the Congress was not fully informed of the existence, or the 
        seriousness, of those abuses or of the investigation of those abuses 
        until after they had been disclosed in the national media;
Whereas such abuses are offensive to the principles and values of the American 
        people and the United States military, are incompatible with the 
        professionalism, dedication, standards and training required of 
        individuals who serve in the United States military, and contradict the 
        policies, orders, and laws of the United States and the United States 
        military and undermine the ability of the United States military to 
        achieve its mission in Iraq;
Whereas the vast majority of members of the Armed Forces have upheld the highest 
        possible standards of professionalism and morality in the face of 
        illegal tactics and terrorist attacks and attempts on their lives;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces have planned and conducted, frequently at 
        great peril and cost, military operations in a manner carefully intended 
        to prevent or minimize injury to Iraqi civilians and property;
Whereas over 138,000 members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq, 
        a total force comprised of active, National Guard, and Reserve 
        personnel, are executing a courageous and determined mission to rebuild 
        and rehabilitate a proud nation after liberating it from the tyranny, 
        oppression, and genocide of Saddam Hussein's evil regime;
Whereas the Department of Defense has awarded members of the Armed Forces 
        serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom at least 3,767 Purple Hearts, as well 
        as thousands of commendations for valor, including at least 4 
        Distinguished Service Crosses, 127 Silver Stars, and over 16,000 Bronze 
        Stars;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces, United States citizens, over 30 Coalition 
        partners, and patriotic Iraqis are working to finally return the 
        government of Iraq to the Iraqi people after decades of despotism;
Whereas since the deposing of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi people have enjoyed 
        substantial improvements in essential services, including major water, 
        sewage, power, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and 
        food security projects that already benefit millions more citizens than 
        under the Ba'ath Party regime;
Whereas the quality of life for Iraqis has significantly improved in the areas 
        of food availability, health services, and educational opportunities 
        since the downfall of the Hussein government; and
Whereas security provided by the United States Armed Forces, the Coalition 
        partners of the United States, and the Iraqi people has permitted the 
        adoption by Iraq of a Transitional Administrative Law, with the promise 
        of a sovereign Iraqi Interim Government, national elections, a 
        constitution, and democracy: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) deplores and condemns the abuse of persons in United States 
        custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of their detention;
            (2) declares that the alleged crimes of a handful of individuals 
        should not detract from the commendable sacrifices of over 300,000 
        members of the United States Armed Forces who have served, or who are 
        serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;
            (3) reaffirms and reinforces the American principle that any and all 
        individuals under the custody and care of the United States Armed Forces 
        shall be afforded proper and humane treatment;
            (4) urges the Secretary of the Army to conduct a full and thorough 
        investigation into any and all allegations of mistreatment or abuse of 
        detainees in Iraq;
            (5) urges the Secretary of the Army and appropriate military 
        authorities to undertake corrective action to address chain of command 
        deficiencies and the systemic deficiencies identified in the incidents 
        in question;
            (6) urges the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any 
        member of the Armed Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military 
        Justice to ensure that their actions are not allowed to impugn the 
        integrity of the United States Armed Forces or undermine the United 
        States mission in Iraq;
            (7) reaffirms the need for Congress to be frequently updated on the 
        status of efforts by the Department of Defense to address and resolve 
        issues identified in this resolution;
            (8) expresses the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous 
        and honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or 
        who are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;
            (9) expresses the support and thanks of the Nation to the families 
        and friends of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors, and Coast 
        Guardsmen who have served, or who are serving, in Operation Iraqi 
        Freedom; and
            (10) expresses the continuing solidarity and support of the House of 
        Representatives and the American people for the partnership of the 
        United States with the Iraqi people in building a viable Iraqi 
        government and a secure nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.