Former Watergate Era Congresswoman Advocates Impeachment of Bush for Violations of U.S. Constitution

Interview with Elizabeth Holtzman, former congresswoman, conducted by Scott Harris

As the prospects dimmed for continued Republican control of Congress in November's election, President Bush signed into law the controversial Military Commissions Act of 2006, affecting the treatment of U.S. held terrorist suspects in Guantanamo Naval base in Cuba and elsewhere. In comments made before signing the bill on Oct. 17, President Bush dedicated the legislation to the memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

The bill permits the exclusion of a defendant from his trial if classified evidence is being presented, and the admission of hearsay and coerced statements as evidence. The law prohibits a detainee from filing a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of their detention in federal court. Another feature of the bill retroactively provides immunity from prosecution for U.S. personnel who engaged in harsh interrogation tactics from September 2001 to December 2005, while giving the president unilateral power to decide what constitutes a violation of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions outlawing torture and cruel treatment.

The law also expands the definition of "unlawful enemy combatant" to include anyone who directly or indirectly supports hostilities against the United States and gives the president the power to declare U.S. citizens enemy combatants, subject to indefinite detention. The law is already being challenged for what critics maintain are serious violations of the U.S Constitution. Between the Lines' Scott Harris spoke with former four-term New York congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman, who served on the House judiciary Committee during impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon. She explains why she opposes the Military Commissions Act and why she believes the president should be impeached.

Former four-term New York congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman, who served on the House Judiciary Committee during impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon. She is the author of "The Impeachment of George W. Bush: A Handbook for Concerned Citizens," published by Nation books. Related links:

Center for Constitutional Rights at
www.ccr-ny.org

National Lawyers Guild
www.nlg.org

Human Rights Watch
www.hrw.org

Amnesty International
www.amnesty.org

People for the American Way at (202) 467-4999 or visit their website at
www.pfaw.org

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