Politics & Government

Rep. Paul Broun Testifies Before House Armed Services Committee on Drones, Unlawful Detainment

The Republican congressman addressed the committee regarding the FY14 National Defense Authorization Act

 

Republican Paul Broun testified today before the House Armed Services Committee

Broun, who represents the 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, addressed the committee regarding the FY14 National Defense Authorization Act, specifically speaking about drones and unlawful detainment. 

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An excerpt from Broun's statement reads: 

Moreover, I urge the Committee to work towards perfecting the definition of 'enemy combatant,' a broad designation which lacks a clear meaning and may be placed on individuals under the AUMF [Authorization for Use of Military Force in Afghanistan] in order to allow for their indefinite detention. Allowing any administration to use such a vague designation to punish individuals without due process opens the door to exceedingly dangerous scenarios, including classifying dissenters as potential terrorists who may be punished without regard to their constitutional rights.

Broun continued: 

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In the aftermath of the recent bombing in Boston, it is more important than ever to ensure that we have a system that will work to punish those who wish to do us harm, while working within the protections established by our Constitution. One of the most challenging dilemmas of our time is how to balance individual liberties with providing the military with the tools it needs to keep our nation safe.

Click here to watch a video of Broun speaking before the committee. 


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