Obama Fails to Lead on Key National Security Measures

Washington, D.C. – Following news that President Obama will not veto defense authorization legislation that expands the military’s role in domestic counterterrorism by sidelining the FBI and local law enforcement, authorizes the indefinite detention without trial of terrorism suspects, including Americans, undermines the independence of prosecutorial decisions, and makes Guantanamo a lobster trap even for those who have been told they can go home, Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino issued the following statement: “When he took office, President Obama told the American people that he would restore the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Today’s announcement proves that he is unwilling to put his full power behind those presidential promises. The American people need a leader whose commitment to smart national security policies will not wane in the face of opposition from Capitol Hill. This legislation will be a loaded gun in the hands of any future administration.”