For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 28, 2006
President Meets with Republican Senate Conference
United States Capitol
9:16 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I just had a really constructive and interesting session
with Republican members of the United States Senate. I'm impressed by
the leadership here in the Senate, I'm impressed by the caliber of
people that serve our country.
I want to congratulate the House for passing a very vital piece of
legislation that will give us the tools necessary to protect the
American people, and that's the Hamdan legislation. That's the
legislation that will give us the capacity to be able to interrogate
high-valued detainees, and at the same time, give us the capacity to try
people who -- in our military tribunals.
In speaking to the Senate, I urged them to get this legislation to my
desk as soon as possible. Senator Frist and Senator McConnell committed
to that end. The American people need to know we're working together to
win this war on terror. Our most important responsibility is to protect
the American people from further attack. And we cannot be able to tell
the American people we're doing our full job unless we have the tools
necessary to do so. And this legislation passed in the House yesterday
is a part of making sure that we do have the capacity to protect you.
Our most solemn job is the security of this country. People shouldn't
forget there's still an enemy out there that wants to do harm to the
United States. And therefore a lot of my discussion with the members of
the Senate was to remind them of this solemn responsibility. And so I
look forward to you passing good legislation, Senators. Thank you for
having me. Appreciate your time.
END 9:18 A.M. EDT
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