WASHINGTON, D.C.--Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released this statement following the announcement that President Bush and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) have reached an agreement on legislation banning inhumane treatment or punishment of prisoners in U.S. custody.
“As an original cosponsor of Senator McCain’s amendment, I am pleased with the agreement that has been worked about between the President and Senator McCain that bans cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of prisoners and sets clear standards for interrogations.
“I oppose the use of torture, whether a detainee is held by the Department of Defense or any other U.S. government agency. A clear and legal framework consistent with American values is needed for all detainees.”