Community Corner
Rep. Bentivolio introduces the Restore Unalienable Rights Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kerry Bentivolio introduced the Restore Unalienable Rights Act of 2014. The bill forbids the use of FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act to indefinitely detain United States citizens or lawful resident aliens who were captured, detained, or arrested in the United States.
"The Constitution is clear: no one can be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law," said Rep. Kerry Bentivolio. "My job is to protect my constituents rights, not take them away. Congress must do everything in its power to uphold American liberties and our Constitution. The Restore Unalienable Rights Act works to do just that."
Since the passage of the FY2012 NDAA, many US citizens have become deeply concerned that the indefinite detention provisions contained in the bill could be misconstrued to apply to US citizens. The American Civil Liberties (ACLU) has stated that, “If it (the FY2012 NDAA) becomes law, American citizens and others are at real risk of being locked away by the military without charge or trial.”
Additionally, the Restore Unalienable Rights Act of 2014 declares that any authorization to use military force or declaration of war may not be used to justify indefinite detention of an American citizen or lawful resident alien detained in the United States.