Buchanan pushes military tribunal law

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan on Jan. 26 introduced legislation requiring terrorist to be tried as military combatants, not common criminals.

Buchanan’s bill, “Military Tribunals for Terrorists Act,” mandates that any terrorist who attacks the United States or its people be interrogated, prosecuted and tried in military court.

“Terrorists with ties to known terror organizations such as al Qaeda should not be afforded the same constitutional protections as American citizens, nor should sensitive homeland security and intelligence information be publicized in open, civilian court proceedings,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan, Florida’s only member of the Ways & Means Committee, first introduced the bill during the 111th session of Congress. The bill is being co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX).

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