Fearful Congress To Seek Own Pardon For Passing Torture Bill

Washington, D.C. - As both the Senate and House prepare to give President Bush the right to violate the Geneva Conventions through the continued use of torture in American run facilities, the realization has struck many members of Congress that by voting for this legislation they will personally be held responsible for any torture that occurs after the bill's passage. This raises the disturbing possibility that they would become liable for prosecution as war criminals since their actions would officially make them accomplices in the inhumane treatment of prisoners which is strictly forbidden under international law.

Adding to the discomfort of the legislators is the fact that the bill they are about to pass contains blanket pardons for President Bush and everyone in his administration who authorized torture in the past and who will continue to authorize torture in the future. Senator John McCain, speaking on this issue, said "When I decided to introduce legislation allowing President Bush to continue the torture of prisoners, it seemed like a good idea. But, I didn't realize that by passing this bill all of us in Congress may will be considered war criminals for being accomplices to this torture. Surely, we can not allow this to stand. We must pass additional legislation as soon as possible to give every member of Congress who votes for this bill a blanket pardon. After all, if we can give the President and his staff pardons, why shouldn't we give ourselves pardons? We don't want to end up sitting in The Hague over this."

Both pieces of legislation, the McCain Torture Bill and the bill pardoning members of Congress who voted for the McCain Torture Bill, are expected to pass before Congress goes on recess this weekend.