Bush, GOP Rebels Agree on Detainee Bill
By ANNE PLUMMER FLAHERTY The Associated Press Thursday, September 21, 2006; 4:44 PM
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration and Senate Republicans announced agreement Thursday on terms for the interrogation and trial of suspects in the war on terror.
"I'm pleased we have agreement," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, emerging from a session in his office where National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and key lawmakers reviewed the compromise.
Senate Armed Services Committee member Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2006 during a hearing to consider the nominations for commander of the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. European Commands. McCain's standoff with the White House over treatment of detainees _ an issue the former POW knows intimately well _ threatens to exacerbate his already contentious relationship with conservatives.
Hadley called it a "framework for compromise," and Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said he won't consider the agreement sealed until President Bush signs it.
An accord would fulfill a Republican political and legislative imperative _ pre-election party unity on an issue related to the war on terror, and possible enactment of one of Bush's top remaining priorities of the year.
"The agreement that we've entered into gives the president the tools he needs to continue to fight the war on terror and bring these evil people to justice," said Sen. John McCain of Arizona, one of three rebellious GOP lawmakers who told Bush he couldn't have the legislation the way he initially asked for it.
"There's no doubt that the integrity and letter and spirit of the Geneva Conventions have been preserved," McCain said.
Gosh, it sure was a short Republican Rebellion. :) If things had been like that in Star Wars, there wouldn't have been the second two movies. :) Heheheh. Republican Rebellion. Pffffhht. Whatver! :)