Bush to Speak on Terrorism Legislation
15 September 2006
President Bush is expected to hold a news conference Friday as he battles the U.S. Senate over how best to try and treat terror suspects.
The White House announced the appearance Friday after a Senate panel on Thursday rejected Mr. Bush's plan and approved a bill that would give prisoners more legal rights than the president wants.
The legislation was pushed by three key senators from the president's Republican party, including committee Chairman John Warner. Warner hinted a compromise remains possible, but he believes the White House approach will not meet constitutional standards outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court. A full Senate vote on the bill may come as early as next week.
Among those backing the Senate committee's version is Mr. Bush's first secretary of state, Colin Powell. He argues that "the world is beginning to doubt the moral basis" of the fight against terrorism.
President Bush favors a special military tribunal system that he authorized several years ago. It would deny the accused access to classified information used in the case. The Supreme Court found the president had overstepped his authority in creating the system. Mr. Bush turned to Congress for legislation allowing him to proceed with his plan.
The White House says part of the problem is that the wording in the Geneva Conventions is vague. At the same time, the Bush administration says it will follow the principles of the convention.
Former Secretary of State Powell argues that such a course is not only likely to hurt America's standing in the world, but could put captured U.S. soldiers at risk.
The showdown between President Bush and the Republican senators comes just before key November elections, with Republicans hoping to keep control of both houses of Congress. Mr. Bush has spent much of the pre-election season making a series of speeches highlighting what he calls progress in the war on terrorism and calling for legislation he says is needed to carry out America's campaign.
Mr. Bush made a personal visit to Republicans in the House of Representatives on Thursday. The House has approved a bill favored by the White House.
Democrats have accused Mr. Bush of focusing on terrorism to divert attention from the war in Iraq, with many Americans becoming increasingly opposed to U.S. involvement in Iraq.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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