Restore Habeas Corpus

Sept. 17 - This week, we have a critical opportunity to restore habeas corpus -- that most fundamental of Constitutional rights which guarantees every person the right to challenge government detention before a fair and independent court. With it, we have the chance to help restore our diminished standing in the world and better secure America.

Many of you may recall the hasty passage of the Military Commissions Act in the weeks leading up to last year's election. The passage of this bill was a profound mistake, and its elimination of habeas corpus review was its worst error. The elimination of habeas review was a reflex driven by fear and is another stain on America's reputation in the world, further engendering ill will to our country and making it harder to fight global terrorism.

That's why, today, we have re-introduced the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill currently being debated on the floor of the Senate -- and we need your help to convince our colleagues to support this critical amendment.

Please sign on as a citizen co-sponsor of the Specter-Leahy-Dodd Habeas Corpus amendment now -- and help us show our colleagues the strong support for this critical amendment!

The Habeas Corpus Restoration Act enjoys widespread Democratic support and some Republican support as well, including Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA). But we need many more Senators to join us to ensure its passage.

In July, Republican Senators filibustered Democratic amendments to change course in Iraq, bottling up the Defense Authorization bill and stymieing our efforts to restore habeas corpus. Now, with the Defense bill back on the floor of the Senate, our colleagues have another chance to do the right thing.

Will you join us as citizen co-sponsors of this critical legislation?

Please sign on as a citizen co-sponsor of the Specter-Leahy-Dodd Habeas Corpus amendment now -- and help us show our colleagues the strong support for this critical amendment!

The Habeas Corpus Restoration Act gives us a chance to reverse one of the Bush Administration's many assaults on our civil liberties, help restore our place in the world, and better secure our nation.

We all want to make America safe from terrorism, but becoming a nation that sanctions the unlawful detention of its own residents -- detaining and jailing them without the chance to appear before a judge -- does not make us safe. It endangers the values we have held dear for centuries, and by diminishing our standing in the world, endangers our security.

The elimination of basic legal rights undermines, not strengthens, our ability to defeat terrorists. It is from strength that America should defend our values and our way of life. It is from the strength of our freedoms, our Constitution, and the rule of law that we can prevail. We can ensure our security without giving up our liberty.

By joining us as citizen co-sponsors, you will help us show our colleagues -- both Democrats and Republicans -- the strong support that exists for the restoration of habeas corpus rights.

Please sign on as a citizen co-sponsor of the Specter-Leahy-Dodd Habeas Corpus amendment now -- and help us show our colleagues the strong support for this critical amendment!

Thank you so much for your support. We'll keep you updated in the coming days as this critical legislation is debated on the floor of the Senate.

Sincerely,

Patrick Leahy, U.S. Senator
Chris Dodd, U.S. Senator

P.S. We can't overemphasize the importance of your support, right now, as our Habeas Corpus Restoration Act is being considered on the floor of the Senate. Please sign on as a citizen co-sponsor of the Specter-Leahy-Dodd Habeas Corpus amendment now -- and help us show our colleagues the strong support for this critical amendment!

Sign on as a citizen co-sponsor now!