[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 64 (Monday, May 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ABUSE OF IRAQI PRISONERS

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, again, we will be voting somewhere around 
5:30 p.m. today. We expect formal introduction of the resolution after 
more discussions over the course of the next several minutes.
  I wish to take this opportunity to comment on the substance of the 
resolution that will condemn the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib 
prison and the details of the resolution we will talk about later on 
the Senate floor. It all focuses on the fact that this Nation, our 
colleagues, this body is shocked, is disturbed, is saddened by the 
incidents that have occurred at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. These 
acts are deplorable. There is absolutely no excuse for what happened to 
those Iraqi prisoners.
  The individuals who committed those despicable acts must be and will 
be held accountable. Justice must be served in a swift manner, in a 
fair manner, and in a transparent manner, and it will be. It is crucial 
that we get all the facts out quickly and thoroughly, and that is 
underway--never as quickly as people would like, but everyone, I 
believe, in their heart of hearts understands the importance of getting 
the facts out quickly and thoroughly.
  I commend the President of the United States for his efforts to reach 
out to the Arab world to address this matter, particularly the 
apologies he offered to the victims and their families.
  I am sure all Americans share his sentiments which he articulated so 
well. The Senate, too, will do its part to ensure the administration 
fully investigates the abuses at Abu Ghraib. By investigating the 
abuses committed at the prison, we recognize specific individuals are 
responsible for specific acts. By doing so, we recognize the vast 
majority of men and women in uniform every day promote the values and 
the principles we all hold so dear.
  I would also like to highlight the work of the Department of Defense. 
After receiving a report from a concerned soldier, the Department of 
Defense promptly took action to investigate the allegations of abuse. 
The first investigation was initiated in January. More investigations 
followed and many are still ongoing. The military is examining its 
policy, its procedures, and its training with regard to the handling of 
prisoners and the management of detention facilities. These are the 
right and proper actions to be taken.
  We do not yet know the full story. That is frustrating. It is 
frustrating for us in this body and for members of the administration. 
That investigation is underway. From what people have said, more 
disturbing stories and pictures will, in fact, find their way into the 
public domain. I have faith the administration will fully investigate 
these incidents and will report to us its findings.
  In the meantime, the Senate will continue to do its duty. We had 
several hearings last week. We will continue to maintain a close watch 
on the unfolding situation. The appropriate committees of the Senate 
will fulfill their proper oversight roles. The Intelligence Committee 
and the Armed Services Committee both conducted hearings last week. 
More are planned, and briefings are at this very moment being 
scheduled.
  Success in our national security policy depends on regular 
communication between the executive branch and Congress and ultimately 
the American people. I pledge to work with my colleagues and the 
administration to ascertain the truth and take action to ensure such 
appalling acts will never, ever happen again.
  America is a nation governed by the rule of law. We hold accountable 
those who break the law. As the President has said, democracy is not 
perfect and indeed we make mistakes, but openness is a hallmark of that 
democracy, and as a democracy we will investigate and we will correct 
those mistakes.
  The people of Iraq did not know justice under Saddam. His regime was 
born in violence and ruled by fear. Let us take this opportunity to 
show the Iraqi people and the world that America protects the rights of 
individuals. Let us show the world we can and will administer justice 
swiftly, fairly, and openly. We cannot undo the abuse those Iraqi 
prisoners suffered, but through our actions now we can show the Iraqi 
people the transgressions of a few do not represent America. They do 
not represent what we stand for as Americans.
  Today the Senate will take up a bipartisan resolution which commends 
the noble work of our forces and condemns in the strongest manner 
possible the few who have disgraced themselves and brought shame to 
their fellow Americans. I urge my colleagues to unanimously pass this 
resolution this afternoon. I believe it is imperative that we speak 
with one voice, united in strength and united in purpose.
  By passing this resolution, this body will show its resolve to pursue 
the truth and protect our national security. We will also show the 
world America believes such acts as occurred at Abu Ghraib must never 
happen again. Our soldiers are risking their lives in Iraq to bring 
peace and freedom to a country that has known neither. Our service men 
and women have worked tirelessly to build schools, rebuild hospitals, 
repair electricity grids and water lines, and to ensure food and water 
are available. We have seen innumerable acts of kindness and bravery 
from our soldiers on behalf of the Iraqi people. That is who we are and 
this resolution acknowledges their service.
  We are engaged in a noble cause. We must see it through. The Iraqi 
people are depending on us to stay the course and the American people 
are depending on us to show courage, resolve, and leadership.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.

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