Action Alert Update: House fails to override the President's veto of critical anti torture legislation

On March 11, the House of Representatives failed to gather enough votes to overturn the President's veto of H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Act. This bill was an important piece of anti-torture legislation that would hold the CIA and other intelligence agencies to the interrogation guidelines found in the Army Field Manual. The effect of the bill have been to ban the use of waterboarding, stress positions, induced hypothermia, and other so-called "harsh" interrogation techniques. The 225-188 vote, largely along party lines, did not achieve the two-thirds majority necessary to override the veto. Contact your Member of Congress and let them know what you think about how they voted!

They need to hear a strong voice from you, their constituents, saying that torture is morally wrong and the US government cannot use it for any reason. If they voted to override, thank them for their commitment to end U.S.-sponsored torture. If they voted against the override, let them know that you are disappointed in them. Sample statements are below. You can reach your representative by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202)224-3121 and asking to speak with your Senator or Member of Congress.

Human Rights First's "Elect to End Torture '08" blog has a round-up of newspaper editorials about the President's veto.

Thank you for your efforts to stop U.S.-sponsored torture.

Sample statement of support:
Thank you for voting to override the President's veto of H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization Bill. "Enhanced interrogation techniques" including waterboarding are torture and should be illegal. Our intelligence agencies, including the CIA, must not be allowed to conduct interrogations in an immoral fashion using techniques that our own generals say is ineffective. As a Jew and as a citizen, I believe that America must make it clear to both its own people and to the world that it is a moral country that does not engage in torture. I am disappointed that the bill did not become law, but I am encouraged by your strong support for human rights and civil liberties. I hope you will continue to fight to ensure that all forms of torture are prohibited by American law.

Sample statement of disappointment

Please let _____ know that I am disappointed that s/he voted against the overide of the President's veto of H.R. 2082, the
Intelligence Authorization Bill. "Enhanced interrogation techniques"
including waterboarding are torture and should be illegal. Our
intelligence agencies, including the CIA, must not be allowed to
conduct interrogations in an immoral fashion using techniques that our
own generals say is ineffective. As a Jew and as a citizen, I believe
that America must make it clear to both its own people and to the world
that it is a moral country that does not engage in torture. An important opportunity to decisively prohibit torture has been lost. The United States cannot justify committing horrendous acts, even in the name of national security. I hope that in future, _______ will take a strong stance against torture.