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Bush Vetoes Ban on Waterboarding

He says terrorist threat remains; Dems don't have votes to override

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 8, 2008 9:49 AM CST
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(Newser) – President Bush today vetoed a bill that would have prevented the CIA from using harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding, the New York Times reports. "We need to ensure our intelligence officials have all the tools they need to stop the terrorists,” the president said. Democrats do not have the votes to override the veto.

The bill would have brought the rules for CIA interrogation in line with those in the Army Field Manual, which forbids the use of physical force against detainees. Yesterday, Ted Kennedy said the coming veto would be one of the most "shameful" acts of Bush's presidency. Bush was unswayed. "This is no time for Congress to abandon practices that have a proven track record of keeping America safe," he said.

Demonstrators from the group World Can't Wait hold a mock waterboarding to protest the CIA's use of the controversial interrogation technique.
Demonstrators from the group "World Can't Wait" hold a mock waterboarding to protest the CIA's use of the controversial interrogation technique.   (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)
Anti-Mukasey Protestors hold demonstration Of Waterboarding.
Anti-Mukasey Protestors hold demonstration Of "Waterboarding".   (Getty Images)
President Bush finishes his statement about the economy at the West Wing colonnade of the White House in Washington, Friday, March 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Bush finishes his statement about the economy at the West Wing colonnade of the White House in Washington, Friday, March 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)   (Associated Press)
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Where the candidates stand on the issue
PBS

Congress, Bush disagree on waterboarding
Christian Science Monitor

 
CIA • torture • Ted Kennedy • waterboarding • interrogation techniques • George W. Bush

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