Bush Accepts McCain Torture Ban
In Reversal, W. House Agrees To Back Law Banning Abuse Of Detainees
-
Play CBS Video Video Turnaround On Torture Ban After threatening to veto Sen. John McCain's proposed anti-torture law, President Bush now seems to want to send a different message to the world, John Roberts reports.
-
Video Bush, McCain On Torture Ban CBSNews Raw: Under pressure from members of both parties, the White House agreed to accept the language of Sen. John McCain's amendment protecting anyone in U.S. custody from torture.
-
Video Sen. McCain On Torture The White House has been negotiating with Sen. John McCain over his proposed amendment to ban the torture and inhumane treatment of detainees. Russ Mitchell talks with McCain about the issue.
-
President Bush, right, shakes hands with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005 in Washington. (AP)
-
Interactive Abuse At Abu Ghraib Investigation timeline, the chain of command, POW rules, global mistreatment of prisoners and video reports.
-
Interactive Gitmo Tribunals Detainees on trial, photos and a history of the naval base.
-
Special Report War On Terror Complete coverage of the military's battle against terrorism.
Officials say the language also now includes a specific statement that those who violate the standards will not be afforded immunity from civil or criminal lawsuits.
In recent weeks, the administration had sought to add language that would offer protection from prosecution for interrogators accused of violating the provision. But McCain rejected that, arguing it would undermine the ban by not giving interrogators reason to follow the law.
Earlier this year, the Senate included McCain's original provisions in two defense bills, including a must-pass $453 billion spending bill that provides $50 billion for the Iraq war. But the House omitted them from their versions, and the bills have been stalled.
Negotiations intensified this week, with Congress under pressure to approve at least the spending bill before adjourning for the year.
Supporters of the provisions say they are needed to clarify current anti-torture laws in light of abuses at Abu Ghraib in Iraq and allegations of misconduct by U.S. troops at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay.
They also say that passing such legislation will help the United States repair an image they say has been tarnished by the prisoner abuse scandal.
"The fog of law is finally lifting. America's moral black eye is finally healing," Rep. Jane Harman of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement.
The White House long has contended that the United States does not engage in torture.
©MMV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
More From Politics
Best-selling author Mitch Albom on his first nonfiction work since "Tuesdays with Morrie."
