Washington, Dec 15, 2011 –

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) voted against H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act, because it included language that would significantly weaken the constitutional rights and protections of all Americans.  Specifically, H.R. 1540 included Senate-backed provisions that authorize the federal government, including the Administration of President Barack Obama, to indefinitely detain American citizens without charge or trial.  Although 42 Republicans joined Jones in voting against the bill, it passed the House and now goes to the Senate for a final vote.

“Our founding fathers understood how easily it could be for the government to oppress the people, so they wisely sought to limit the government’s power through the Constitution,” said Congressman Jones.  “Ronald Reagan’s FBI Director, William Sessions, has advised that the provisions in H.R. 1540 represent a dangerous threat to our national security and an erosion of our constitutional rights.  Giving President Obama or any other President the ability to indefinitely detain Americans without charge or trial is unacceptable. As James Madison once said: ‘The essence of government is power, and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.’”

Earlier this week, Congressman Jones and a bipartisan group of colleagues joined Republican Congressman Justin Amash (MI-3) in sending a letter to the House negotiators on the H.R. 1540 expressing  concern regarding the Senate detention provisions.  That letter can be found here.

Also this week, the New York Times published an editorial by retired four-star Marine Corps generals Charles Krulak and Joseph Hoar which criticized the Senate detention provisions.  Their editorial can be found here.

For further commentary on this issue from Mr. William Sessions, who served as FBI director under President Ronald Reagan, a U.S. Attorney and a federal judge, click here.