The Punch Line Of The Joke

President George W. Bush's proposal for trying suspected terrorists captured overseas would allow the use of evidence obtained by coercion and let judges bar defendants from hearings where classified evidence is discussed, a Senate Republican aide who has been briefed on the plan said.

Bush is scheduled to release details of legislation he's seeking to change U.S. law so that detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may be brought before military tribunals. The changes are necessary because the Supreme Court ruled on June 29 that Congress didn't authorize the president to set up such trials.

Bush's plan, as outlined to lawmakers, may set up a fight with Congress over the tribunals, with the potentially biggest point of contention being the use of evidence obtained through coercive interrogations. A measure drafted by three Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee -- Chairman John Warner of Virginia, John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina -- would bar such evidence.

``One of the most important tasks for Congress is to recognize that we need the tools necessary to win this war on terror, and we'll continue to discuss with Congress ways to make sure this country is capable if defending itself,'' Bush said after a meeting with his Cabinet at the White House.
[ cf Bush Proposes Using Coerced Evidence in Tribunals, Person Says ]