PRESS RELEASE

March 10, 2008

For More Information Contact:                                                                          
Rev. Richard Killmer
202-547-1920
Cell: 207-450-7242
                      

(Washington)  The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), a campaign of over 150 religious organizations working together to abolish U.S.-sponsored torture, condemns President Bush's veto of H.R. 2082 (the Intelligence Authorization bill).  H.R. 2082, supported by a majority of both houses of Congress, would have banned waterboarding and other "harsh" interrogation techniques by requiring all elements of the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA, to abide by the restrictions in the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations.  The Army Field Manual prohibits the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.   

"In vetoing this legislation, the President is not only defying the majority of Members of Congress, but also the will of the American people, international law, and the fundamental values of our nation," said Linda Gustitus, the President of NRCAT.  "It is very disappointing that the President has rejected this meaningful opportunity to close this shameful chapter in American history."National Religious Campaign Against Torture316 F Street NE, Suite 200Washington, DC 20002