[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN DEFENSE OF OUR WARFIGHTERS

  (Ms. GRANGER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, soon courts-martial of the three Navy SEALS 
accused of beating a suspected terrorist will begin. These trials and 
the outcomes are being followed closely by our servicemembers. There is 
broad concern that political correctness may be impacting the decision 
to accuse servicemembers of crimes stemming from the treatment of 
terrorists and accused terrorists. This is not acceptable. Our soldiers 
must be able to carry out their missions without considering the 
sensitivities of the ACLU.
  There is another group that is also following these courts-martial, 
the terrorists. In fact, the al Qaeda handbook specifically directs any 
operative who is detained to immediately claim he is tortured and 
mistreated. We cannot stand by and allow our warfighters to be 
manipulated by the enemy.
  When these charges are brought, many of our servicemembers elect to 
have civilian defense counsel, based on their level of experience and 
expertise, at their own expense. Even when acquitted or the charges are 
dropped, these servicemembers are left with significant debt. This is 
also unacceptable.
  The people who so willingly defend this country deserve the very best 
defense and should be acquitted or the charges dropped. It is the 
responsibility of our government to pay these costs. Today I am 
introducing a resolution to address this inequity. I will continue to 
fight for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, and I urge all 
Members of Congress to do the same.

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