H.R. 1415House110th Congress (2007-2009)In Committee

Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

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Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

April 20, 2007

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

March 8, 2007

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Armed Services Committee

March 8, 2007

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

April 20, 2007

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about H.R. 1415 on the floor

1 Democrat

Rep. Dennis J. KucinichD-OH-10 · Sep 15, 2008

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my colleague and dear friend, United States Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who left us far too soon. Stephanie's fearless passion for…

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of my colleague and dear friend, United States Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who left us far too soon.

Stephanie's fearless passion for social justice, unyielding commitment to improving the lives of her most vulnerable constituents, and limitless love for her family and friends, will forever resound throughout our Cleveland community and across our nation. Her professional achievements were many--her success as a county prosecutor, municipal judge, trial court judge and Congresswoman are well known, but it was her strength of character in the face of personal hardship, her dedication to and ability in helping others and her luminous zest for life that ran through everything she did. It is these attributes, framed by her hearty laugh and generous heart--that will forever be remembered.

Stephanie's life touched and inspired countless lives, young and old, and her energy and positivity knew no bounds--reaching from the block clubs of Cleveland, to the halls of Congress, across the country and around the world. Wherever she went, people were drawn to her quick smile, sharp intellect, easy going nature and passion for making the world a better place. The child of devoted, working class parents, Stephanie blazed a trail of possibility and hope for women everywhere, especially for African American women, when she made history upon being elected as the first African American woman from Ohio elected to Congress. Stephanie was not afraid to stand up against the tide--she was one of the Representatives to vote ``no'' to authorizing the use of force in Iraq--an action she believed to be a grave affront to the honor of United States veterans and the honorable service of our United States military women and men.

Stephanie's sage advice and ability to get to the heart of the matter was coveted by her family and wide circle of friends. Her warmth, friendship and loyalty inspired and strengthened the lives of many, including my own. People from all walks of life--from United States Senators to the cashier around the corner--called Stephanie ``friend'' and ``sister.''

Stephanie's most cherished roles were as wife and mother. Her unwavering devotion to her family was evidenced her entire life. Together, Stephanie and her late husband, Mervyn Jones Sr., raised their son, Mervyn, Jr., who was heart, soul and center of Stephanie's life.

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance of my dear friend and confidant, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Our shared experiences--from our Cleveland childhood to standing together in the House of Representatives--was the foundation for a friendship that grew and strengthened over the past thirty years.

Her passing is a profound loss for all of us, and especially for her beloved son, Mervyn, yet her fiery spirit, love for her family and friends, and commitment to serving the most fragile of our society will be forever reflected in those who loved and knew her well--in Cleveland, Washington, and far beyond. The indomitable spirit, love for life and passion for social justice that defined my friend, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, will live on forever, through every friendship she ever forged and within everyone whose life was improved, inspired and lifted because of her, and she will be remembered always.

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Introduced in HouseIssued March 8, 2007

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1415

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 8, 2007

Mr. Nadler (for himself, Ms. Harman, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, and Ms. Lee) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To provide for the effective prosecution of terrorists and guarantee due process rights.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007.

Definition of unlawful enemy combatant

Paragraph (1) of section 948a of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(1)

Unlawful enemy combatant

The term unlawful enemy combatant—

(A)

means an individual who is not a lawful enemy combatant and—

(i)

who directly participates in hostilities in a zone of active combat against the United States; or

(ii)

who—

(I)

planned, authorized, committed, or aided with specific intent the terrorist acts on the United States of September 11, 2001; or

(II)

harbored with specific intent any individual described in clause (i); and

(B)

may be used solely for the purpose of designating an individual as triable by military commission under this chapter.

Construction in relation to Geneva Conventions

Subsection (g) of section 948b of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(g)

Construction in relation to Geneva Conventions

To the extent that any provision of this chapter is determined to be inconsistent with the obligations of the United States under the Geneva Conventions, the Geneva Conventions shall prevail, and such provision shall be deemed to have no further force or effect.

Determination of unlawful enemy combatant status by combatant status review tribunal not dispositive for purposes of jurisdiction of military commissions

Section 948d of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (c); and

(2)

by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).

Trial counsel and defense counsel

(a)

Repeal of Authority for Civilian Trial Counsel

Subsection (b) of section 948k of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(b)

Military Trial Counsel

Subject to subsection (e), trial counsel detailed for a military commission under this chapter must be a judge advocate (as that term is defined in section 801 of this title (article 1 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice)) who is—

(1)

a graduate of an accredited law school or is a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(2)

certified as competent to perform duties as trial counsel before general courts-martial by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which he is a member.

(b)

Authority for Civilian Defense Counsel

Subsection (c) of such section is amended to read as follows:

(c)

Defense Counsel

Subject to subsection (e), trial counsel detailed for a military commission under this chapter must be—

(1)

a judge advocate (as so defined) who is—

(A)

a graduate of an accredited law school or is a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(B)

certified as competent to perform duties as trial counsel before general courts-martial by the Judge Advocate General of the armed force of which he is a member; or

(2)

a civilian who is—

(A)

a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State; and

(B)

otherwise qualified to practice before the military commission pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

(c)

Conforming Amendments

Such section is further amended—

(1)

in subsection (d)(1), by striking subsection (b)(1) and inserting subsection (b);

(2)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking Trial counsel and military defense counsel and inserting Military trial counsel and defense counsel;

(B)

in paragraph (3), by striking Military defense and inserting Defense; and

(C)

in paragraph (4), by striking trial counsel and military defense counsel and inserting military trial counsel and defense counsel; and

(3)

in subsection (e), by striking trial counsel or military defense counsel and inserting military trial counsel or military defense counsel.

Exclusion from trial by military commission of statements obtained by coercion

Section 948r of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the following new subsection (c):

(c)

Exclusion of Statements Obtained by Coercion

A statement obtained by use of coercion shall not be admissible in a military commission under this chapter, except against a person accused of coercion as evidence that the statement was made.

Modification of authorities on rules for military commissions

(a)

Rules Generally

Subsection (a) of section 949a of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a)

Procedures and Rules of Evidence

(1) Pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures, including elements and modes of proof, for cases triable by military commission under this chapter may be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. Such procedures may not be contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or chapter 47 of this title, the procedures and rules of evidence applicable in trials by general courts-martial shall apply in trials by military commission under this chapter.

(2)

The Secretary of Defense may, in consultation with the Attorney General, make such exceptions in the applicability in trials by military commission under this chapter from the procedures and rules of evidence otherwise applicable in general courts-martial as may be required by the unique circumstances of the conduct of military or intelligence operations during hostilities. Such exceptions may not be contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter.

(b)

Exclusion of Evidence Seized Inside the United States Without Warrant

Subsection (b)(2)(B) of such section is amended by inserting seized outside the United States after Evidence.

(c)

Discretion of Military Judge To Exclude Hearsay Evidence Determined To Be Unreliable or Lacking in Probative Value

Subsection (b)(2)(E)(ii) of such section is amended by striking if the party opposing the admission of the evidence demonstrates that the evidence is unreliable or lacking in probative value and inserting if the military judge determines, upon motion by counsel, that the evidence is unreliable or lacking in probative value.

Self-representation of accused before military commissions

Section 949c of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(c)

Self-Representation by Accused

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (b), the accused may represent himself in his defense before a military commission under this chapter.

(2)

The accused’s representation of himself in his defense shall be governed by such rules as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe. Such rules, and any rights, privileges, or limitations under such rules, shall be consistent with rules applicable to self-representation by an accused in a criminal trial under the laws of the United States and international law.

(3)

If the accused represents himself under this subsection, the accused—

(A)

shall be assisted in his defense by military defense counsel detailed in accordance with subsection (b)(2); or

(B)

may be assisted in his defense by civilian defense counsel meeting the requirements of subsection (b)(3), together with military defense counsel so detailed.

(4)

Any civilian counsel assisting in the defense of an accused under this subsection shall comply with the provisions of subsection (b)(4).

(5)

Subsection (b)(7) shall not apply with respect to any defense counsel assisting in the defense of an accused under this subsection, except to the extent the accused is unable to carry out his defense.

Enhancement of authorities on discovery of witnesses and other evidence

Subsection (d)(1) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following:

If the military judge determines that the substitute is not sufficient to protect the right of the defendant to a fair trial, the military judge may—

(A)

dismiss the charges in their entirety;

(B)

dismiss the charges or specifications or both to which the information relates; or

(C)

take such other actions as may be required in the interest of justice.

10.

Review of military commission decisions by United States court of appeals for the armed forces rather than court of military commission review

(a)

Review

(1)

In general

Section 950f of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

950f.

Review by court of appeals for the armed forces

The United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, in accordance with procedures prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of Defense, shall review the record in each case that is referred to the Court by the convening authority under section 950c of this title with respect to any matter of law, including whether any rational fact finder could have concluded that there was sufficient evidence to establish guilt, raised by the accused.

(2)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter VI of chapter 47A of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 950f and inserting the following new item:

950f. Review by Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(b)

Conforming Amendments

(1)

In general

Chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, is further amended as follows:

(A)

In section 950c(a), by striking the Court of Military Commission Review and inserting the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(B)

In section 950d, by striking the Court of Military Commission Review each place it appears and inserting the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(C)

In section 950g(a)(2), by striking the Court of Military Commission Review each place it appears and inserting the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(D)

In section 950h, by striking the Court of Military Commission Review each place it appears and inserting the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

(2)

Uniform code of military justice

Section 867a(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 67a(a) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking Decisions and inserting Except as provided in sections 950d and 950g of this title, decisions.

11.

Scope of review of detention-related decisions

(a)

Scope of Review of United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Section 950g of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1)

by striking subsection (c); and

(2)

by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).

(b)

Scope of Authority for Review of Military Commission Procedures and Actions

Subsection (b) of section 950j of such title is amended to read as follows:

(b)

Limited Review of Military Commission Procedures and Actions

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, section 2241 of title 28, and any other habeas corpus provision, no court, justice, or judge shall have jurisdiction to hear or consider any claim or cause of action whatsoever, including any action pending on or filed after October 17, 2006, relating to the prosecution, trial, or judgment of a military commission under this chapter, including challenges to the lawfulness of procedures of military commissions under this chapter.

(c)

Termination of Superseded Authority for Review of CSRTS

Section 1005(e) of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 (10 U.S.C. 801 note) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) through (4).

12.

Repeal of prohibition on treaty obligations as establishing grounds for certain claims

The Military Commissions Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–366) is amended by striking section 5.

13.

Implementation of treaty obligations

(a)

In General

Section 6(a) of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–366; 120 Stat. 2632; 18 U.S.C. 2441 note) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (2)—

(A)

in the first sentence, by inserting after international character the following: and preserve the capacity of the United States to prosecute nationals of enemy powers for engaging in acts against members of the United States Armed Forces and United States citizens that have been prosecuted by the United States as war crimes in the past; and

(B)

by striking the second sentence; and

(2)

in paragraph (3)—

(A)

in subparagraph (A)—

(i)

by striking the President has the authority for the United States to interpret the meaning and application of the Geneva Conventions and to promulgate and inserting the President has the authority, subject to congressional oversight and judicial review, to promulgate; and

(ii)

by striking higher standards and;

(B)

in subparagraph (B), by striking interpretations and inserting rules; and

(C)

by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:

(D)

The President shall notify other parties to the Geneva Conventions that the United States expects members of the United States Armed Forces and other United States citizens detained in a conflict not of an international character to be treated in a manner consistent with the standards described in subparagraph (A) and embodied in section 2441 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by subsection (b).

(b)

Modification of War Crimes Offenses

(1)

Inclusion of denial of trial rights among offenses

Paragraph (1) of section 2441(d) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(J)

Denial of trial rights

The act of a person who intentionally denies one or more persons the right to be tried before a regularly constituted court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples as prescribed by common Article 3.

(2)

Inclusion of imposition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment among offenses

Such section is further amended—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(K)

Cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment

The act of a person who subjects, or conspires or attempts to subject, an individual in the custody or under the physical control of the United States Government, regardless of nationality or physical location, to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

; and

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end;

(ii)

in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(F)

the term cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment shall be applied for purposes of paragraph (1)(K) in accordance with the meaning given that term in section 6(c)(2) of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 2000dd–0).

(3)

Inclusion of certain other violations of common article 3 among offenses

Paragraph (1) of such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(L)

Certain other violations of common article 3

The act of a person not subject to chapter 47 of title 10 (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) who commits, or conspires or attempts to commit, an act not otherwise enumerated under this paragraph that constitutes a violation of common Article 3 and is an act which, if committed by a person subject to chapter 47 of title 10, would be punishable under that chapter by the penalty of death or confinement for one year or more.

(4)

Additional definitional matters

Paragraph (2) of such section is further amended—

(A)

in subparagraph (D)—

(i)

by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following new clause (ii):

(ii)

serious physical pain;

; and

(ii)

in clause (iii), by striking (other than cuts, abrasions, or bruises); and

(B)

in subparagraph (E)(ii), by striking and non-transitory.

14.

Restoration of habeas corpus for individuals detained by the United States

(a)

Restoration

Subsection (e) of section 2241 of title 28, United States Code, is repealed.

(b)

Title 10

Section 950j of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:

(b)

Limited review of military commission procedures and actions

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or in section 2241 of title 28 or any other habeas corpus provision, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, no court, justice, or judge shall have jurisdiction to hear or consider any claim or cause of action whatsoever, including any action pending on or filed after the date of the enactment of the Military Commissions Act of 2006, relating to the prosecution, trial, or judgment of a military commission under this chapter, including challenges to the lawfulness of procedures of military commissions under this chapter.

15.

Expedited judicial review of military commissions act of 2006

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the following rules shall apply to any civil action, including an action for declaratory judgment, that challenges any provision of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–366), or any amendment made by that Act, on the ground that such provision or amendment violates the Constitution or the laws of the United States:

(1)

The action shall be filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and shall be heard in that Court by a court of three judges convened pursuant to section 2284 of title 28, United States Code.

(2)

An interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in an action under paragraph (1) shall be reviewable as a matter of right by direct appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. Any such appeal shall be taken by a notice of appeal filed within 10 days after the date on which such judgment, decree, or order is entered. The jurisdictional statement with respect to any such appeal shall be filed within 30 days after the date on which such judgment, decree, or order is entered.

(3)

It shall be the duty of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the Supreme Court of the United States to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest possible extent the disposition of any action or appeal, respectively, brought under this section.

16.

Effective date

(a)

In General

Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 17, 2006, the date of the enactment of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–366), immediately after the enactment of that Act and shall apply to all cases, without exception, that are pending on or after such date.

(b)

Revisions to War Crimes Offenses

The amendments made by section 13(b) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.