After a long and grueling fight, the Senate voted today to outlaw torture practices, in what is being called an end to Bush-era intelligence tactics. According to the Huffington Post, despite flared tempers over last December’s torture report, the vote still managed to pass.
“It really is a great day, because it really does mean never again,” said Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.). “It was a great moment for me, yes, and for us.”
With the release of the report’s 500-page summary in December, the public learned of harsh tactics such as rectal feedings, sleep deprivation, and waterboarding that were used on detainees.
John McCain (R-Ariz.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, himself a victim of torture during his time a a prisoner of war, had worked hard with Feinstein to have the report released but it was uncertain whether he would back Feinstein’s effort to pass this law.
Those fears were put to rest after a surge in Republican support for the legislation and McCain come forward to support the bill.
“I respect the dedication and services of thsoe charged with protecting this country,” said McCain on the floor of the Senate moments before the vote. “At the same time, we must continue to insist that methods we employ in this fight for peace and freedom must always — always — be as right and honorable as the goals and ideals we fight for.”
