Deploring the abuse of persons in United States custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of their detention, urging the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any member of the Armed Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, expressing the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous and honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and for other purposes.

        [Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 627 Engrossed in House (EH)]

In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

May 6, 2004.
Whereas the American people and the world are dismayed by revelations of abuses
inflicted upon detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad;
Whereas the military justice process so far has resulted in charges being
brought against six individuals, three of whom have been recommended for
trial by court martial;
Whereas the investigation by the United States Central Command has identified
problems of leadership, chain of command, and training that contributed
to the instances of abuse;
Whereas the Congress was not fully informed of the existence, or the
seriousness, of those abuses or of the investigation of those abuses
until after they had been disclosed in the national media;
Whereas such abuses are offensive to the principles and values of the American
people and the United States military, are incompatible with the
professionalism, dedication, standards and training required of
individuals who serve in the United States military, and contradict the
policies, orders, and laws of the United States and the United States
military and undermine the ability of the United States military to
achieve its mission in Iraq;
Whereas the vast majority of members of the Armed Forces have upheld the highest
possible standards of professionalism and morality in the face of
illegal tactics and terrorist attacks and attempts on their lives;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces have planned and conducted, frequently at
great peril and cost, military operations in a manner carefully intended
to prevent or minimize injury to Iraqi civilians and property;
Whereas over 138,000 members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq,
a total force comprised of active, National Guard, and Reserve
personnel, are executing a courageous and determined mission to rebuild
and rehabilitate a proud nation after liberating it from the tyranny,
oppression, and genocide of Saddam Hussein's evil regime;
Whereas the Department of Defense has awarded members of the Armed Forces
serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom at least 3,767 Purple Hearts, as well
as thousands of commendations for valor, including at least 4
Distinguished Service Crosses, 127 Silver Stars, and over 16,000 Bronze
Stars;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces, United States citizens, over 30 Coalition
partners, and patriotic Iraqis are working to finally return the
government of Iraq to the Iraqi people after decades of despotism;
Whereas since the deposing of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi people have enjoyed
substantial improvements in essential services, including major water,
sewage, power, infrastructure, transportation, telecommunications, and
food security projects that already benefit millions more citizens than
under the Ba'ath Party regime;
Whereas the quality of life for Iraqis has significantly improved in the areas
of food availability, health services, and educational opportunities
since the downfall of the Hussein government; and
Whereas security provided by the United States Armed Forces, the Coalition
partners of the United States, and the Iraqi people has permitted the
adoption by Iraq of a Transitional Administrative Law, with the promise
of a sovereign Iraqi Interim Government, national elections, a
constitution, and democracy: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) deplores and condemns the abuse of persons in United States
custody in Iraq, regardless of the circumstances of their detention;
(2) declares that the alleged crimes of a handful of individuals
should not detract from the commendable sacrifices of over 300,000
members of the United States Armed Forces who have served, or who are
serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;
(3) reaffirms and reinforces the American principle that any and all
individuals under the custody and care of the United States Armed Forces
shall be afforded proper and humane treatment;
(4) urges the Secretary of the Army to conduct a full and thorough
investigation into any and all allegations of mistreatment or abuse of
detainees in Iraq;
(5) urges the Secretary of the Army and appropriate military
authorities to undertake corrective action to address chain of command
deficiencies and the systemic deficiencies identified in the incidents
in question;
(6) urges the Secretary of the Army to bring to swift justice any
member of the Armed Forces who has violated the Uniform Code of Military
Justice to ensure that their actions are not allowed to impugn the
integrity of the United States Armed Forces or undermine the United
States mission in Iraq;
(7) reaffirms the need for Congress to be frequently updated on the
status of efforts by the Department of Defense to address and resolve
issues identified in this resolution;
(8) expresses the deep appreciation of the Nation to the courageous
and honorable members of the Armed Forces who have selflessly served, or
who are currently serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;
(9) expresses the support and thanks of the Nation to the families
and friends of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors, and Coast
Guardsmen who have served, or who are serving, in Operation Iraqi
Freedom; and
(10) expresses the continuing solidarity and support of the House of
Representatives and the American people for the partnership of the
United States with the Iraqi people in building a viable Iraqi
government and a secure nation.
Attest:

Clerk.