Some may not want him to be President, but for those concerned about provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act which allow for the detention of American citizens without trial, consider supporting Ron Paul’s latest legislation. Maybe even contact your favorite Republican primary candidate(s) and see if they’ll support it too.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a very simple piece of legislation to repeal the infamous Section 1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act, quietly signed into law by the president on New Year’s Day. 

What A Way To Usher In the New Year.

Section 1021 essentially codifies into law the very dubious claim of presidential authority under the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force to indefinitely detain American citizens without access to legal representation or due process of law. Section 1021 provides for the possibility of the US military acting as a kind of police force on US soil, apprehending terror suspects – including Americans — and whisking them off to an undisclosed location indefinitely. No right to attorney, no right to trial, no day in court.

…

Mr. Speaker, I recognize how critical it is that we identify and apprehend those who are suspected of plotting attacks against Americans. But why do we have so little faith in our judicial system? Have we not tried, in civilian court, and won convictions against hundreds of individuals for terrorist, or related activities. I fully support continuing to do so.

But let us not abandon what is so unique and special about our system of government in the process.

I hope my colleagues will join my effort to overturn this shameful section, 1021, of the National Defense Authorization Act.

-Ron Paul – January 18, 2012
(Full Statement, Video Below)  

UPDATE January 20, 2012 @ 10:30AM

Text of Legislation:

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 18, 2012

Mr. PAUL introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL

To repeal section 1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. REPEAL OF SECTION 1021 OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012.

Section 1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81) is hereby repealed.

Legislation: H. R. 3785: To repeal section 1021 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.

Follow the bill’s progress at Gov Track 

Resources: Stan Deyo, Infowars, Steve Quayle