Washington, D.C. - Mr. Speaker, what are we afraid of? What is the House Republican Leadership afraid of? We say we want to promote democracy around the world; we say we want to set a good example for others, yet the House leadership has blocked any vote on whether we should establish an independent, bi-partisan commission to investigate abuses at Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay and other places around the world. The only example we are setting is that of the ostrich; how to bury our heads in the sand and ignore the truth.
The Bush Administration has said that reports of human rights abuses at these facilities have been greatly exaggerated. Then what do they have to be afraid of? Let’s get to the truth of the matter. We don’t want one-fourth truths and half-truths. Let’s get to the full truth – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Other nations look to the United States, not just for the statements we make but for the actions we take. Americans have been shocked by the abuses that have been reported to date. They know that these actions do not reflect our values; they don’t represent who we are as a people.
Throughout our history, the United States has been a great beacon of human rights. That beacon has been dimmed by the abuses that have taken place. The best way to reclaim our credibility is to squarely face the abuses that have taken place and get at the truth.
We must show by our example that we will not run from the truth even when it is unpleasant; only by confronting the truth can we learn from our mistakes and prevent future abuses.
Let us show that a strong, confident nation does not run and hide from the truth. Let us once again lead by example. I urge the House to defeat this rule and allow a vote on the Waxman amendment.