[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE INTERROGATION STANDARDS ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Promoting 
Responsible Interrogation Standards Enforcement Act of 2004'' or 
``PRISE Act,'' legislation that reaffirms the United States' 
longstanding commitment to refrain from engaging in torture or cruel, 
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. I am joined by 
Representatives Lofgren, Meehan, Waters and Sanchez.
  This nation's foreign and military policies have been substantially 
undermined as a result of the Iraqi prisoner and detainee abuse 
scandals. The PRISE Act is designed to prevent similar abuses from 
occurring. In doing so, the legislation takes several important steps.
  First, it codifies the United States' legal and international treaty 
obligations with respect to the prohibition on the use of torture or 
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Second, the bill 
directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidelines to ensure 
compliance with this obligation. Third, in the unfortunate event that a 
member of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense contractor violates 
this prohibition, the bill requires the Defense Secretary to submit to 
Congress, in a manner that protects national security, a report 
highlighting the details of such violations. Finally, it closes a 
loophole created by the PATRIOT Act that may allow torture at U.S. 
military facilities overseas.
  As we continue to define our values as a country, we must make it 
abundantly clear that we will not compromise our principles. The use of 
torture is not only wrong, but it is an ineffective interrogation 
tactic because it produces unreliable information. People who are being 
tortured will often lie to their interrogator in order to stop the 
pain.
  I am hopeful that Congress can move quickly to enact this worthwhile 
and timely legislation.

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