House Votes to Reject Torture

The House of Representatives voted to edorse a provision advanced by Sen. John McCain that would prohibit “cruel, inhuman, or dgrading treatment or punishment of persons under custody or control of the United States Government.” The measure was approved by a veto-proof majority of 308-122. Among the 122 Representatives who opposed the anti-torture provision were Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and Rep. Duncan Hunter, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. They did not explain their opposition during the December 14 floor debate. See http://www.fas.org/irp/congress/2005_cr/torture121405.html

KJ