Rep. Johnson praises, cosponsors Rep. Smith's bill to protect Americans' Constitutional rights

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee (HASC) member Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) today announced his support for “The Due Process and Military Detention Amendments Act of 2012” (summary), which ensures any individual detained on U.S. soil under the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF) has access to due process and the federal court system.

The House and companion Senate bill also prohibit military commissions and indefinite detention for individuals detained in the United States and affirms that any trial proceedings “shall have all the due process as provided for under the Constitution.” The original sponsors of the legislation are House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) and Senator Mark Udall (CO), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees.

Johnson, an original co-sponsor of “The Due Process” bill, led House efforts to remove dangerous detainee provisions from the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act in Dec. 2011.

“I applaud Rep. Smith and Sen. Udall for this initiative. Members of Congress who value liberty should reject mandatory military detention and defend the Constitution, no matter their political party.” said Johnson. “Civilian courts have a proven record of prosecuting terrorism suspects arrested in the United States.”

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