Rep. Johnson says no to the indefinite detention of Americans

Johnson cosponsors amendment to ensure those arrested on U.S. soil – including American citizens – cannot be detained indefinitely

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) today cosponsored an amendment offered by House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) to the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prevent the indefinite detention of and transfer to military custody of those detained on U.S. soil – including American citizens.

The amendment would ensure access to due process and the federal court system, as provided by the Constitution.

Rep. Johnson, a former criminal defense attorney and judge, has been working since 2011 to strip the defense authorization of provisions that favor military custody and tribunals for terrorism suspects arrested in the United States.

On Thursday, he joined the lead sponsor of the amendment, Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith, in seeking to repeal those provisions and replace them with guarantees of due process.

“It is Orwellian, un-American, and deeply unpopular," Johnson said. "Our constituents sent us here to provide for the common defense, yes. But they also sent us here to safeguard their liberty,” said Johnson. “We have sworn to uphold the Constitution, and we must reject indefinite detention of Americans. Civilian law enforcement is more than capable of prosecuting terrorism suspects.”