Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=5-4-04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS/IRAQ/PRISONERS (L-update)

NUMBER=2-315601

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S lawmakers are demanding an explanation from the Bush administration regarding allegations that U-S military police abused Iraqi prisoners. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT: Lawmakers are condemning the alleged mistreatment of Iraqi detainees in the strongest terms, and are calling for a congressional investigation.

The Republican-led Senate and House Armed Services Committees held closed-door briefings with Army officials to discuss the matter.

Emerging from the Senate briefing, Senator Ted Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, said suspected abuses may have occurred elsewhere in Iraq or in Afghanistan, as well.

/// KENNEDY ACTUALITY ///

It seems that this whole incident is not just limited to one particular prison, but has a broader application, and I think it is imperative that there be a complete investigation, not only of that prison and not only of the American servicemen, but also the private contractors.

/// END ACT ///

Many lawmakers want to know why they were not told of the matter by administration officials much earlier. Senator John McCain is an Arizona Republican.

/// MCCAIN ACTUALITY ///

Not an hour goes by where there is not an additional allegation, and, unfortunately, the Congress in general and the Senate Armed Services Committee in particular has been -- up until this morning -- been kept completely in the dark

/// END ACT ///

Army Vice Chief of Staff General George Casey told committee members those who are found guilty will be punished appropriately.

/// CASEY ACTUALITY ///

We are fully committed to getting to the bottom of this, and holding accountable those who we find guilty through the judicial process.

/// END ACT ///

Lawmakers called for swift accountability. Congressman Doug Bereuter is a Nebraska Republican.

/// BEREUTER ACTUALITY ///

What has allegedly happened is so foreign to our country's principle and tradition, and those of our armed forces, that these people conducting or condoning such abuse do not deserve to be called Americans.

/// END ACT ///

Photos widely televised showing Iraqi detainees apparently being sexually humiliated and physically abused have prompted outrage around the world.

Lawmakers expressed concern the alleged abuse could complicate U-S efforts in Iraq and incite more violence against U-S troops there. (SIGNED)

NEB/DAT/TW/FC