Congressional Democrats reacted favorably to the Supreme Court's ruling Thursday that deemed unconstitutional the military tribunals championed by the Bush administration.
The following are excerpts of statements from several Democrats:
"This decision is a stunning repudiation of the Bush Administration's lawless behavior at Guantanamo. As we approach the Fourth of July, it is entirely appropriate that the Supreme Court has reminded the President and Secretary Rumsfeld that there is no excuse for ignoring the rule of law, even when our country is at war."
-- Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts)"The Supreme Court's decision concerning military commissions at Guantanamo Bay is a major rebuke to an Administration that has too often disregarded the rule of law. It is a testament to our system of government that the Supreme Court has stood up against this overreaching by the executive branch."
-- Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) "Since 9/11, the Bush Administration has operated in the 'fog of law' -- expanding executive branch power, ignoring the will of Congress, bypassing Courts, and disregarding international law. Today's Supreme Court decision will help lift that fog. The opinion makes clear that the President's power is not unlimited when it comes to holding people without due process.
"It's now time for the Bush Administration to close the Guantanamo prison, and either return the prisoners to their home countries or bring them to justice in the United States... Indefinite detention without access to due process will continue to be a moral black eye for America, eroding our moral authority, national character, and the values for which our brave sons and daughters are fighting."
-- Rep. Jane Harman (D-California)"The Justices have given our system a constitutional tonic that is sorely needed if we are to counter terrorism effectively, efficiently and with American values. This decision is a triumph for our constitutional system of checks and balances. I commend the Justices for acting as a much needed check on this Administration's unilateral policies that have clearly stretched the bounds of the President's constitutional authority."
-- Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) 
