Skelton on President Obama’s National Security Speech

House Armed Services Committee
Ike Skelton, Chairman
For Immediate Release: May 21, 2009

Skelton on President Obama’s National Security Speech

Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s national security speech at the National Archives today:

“I commend President Obama for reassuring the American people that their security is our nation’s highest priority. I am very encouraged by the President’s focus on the future and his commitment to work with Congress to address complex and sometimes difficult national security issues.

“The President today clearly agreed with one of the main reasons I opposed the Military Commissions Act in 2006. I do not oppose military commissions as such, but I do not believe the current system can bring terrorists to justice in a way that ensures convictions can withstand judicial scrutiny. I look forward to working with the President and his Administration on legislation to reform the military commissions and provide for judicial and congressional oversight on the continued detention of enemy combatants who, for different reasons, cannot be prosecuted in any court.”

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