Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chair of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and, Civil Liberties, today blasted former Vice President Cheney’s defense of torture and criticism of Attorney General Holder for ordering a preliminary investigation into possible violations of law committed as part of the Bush administration’s interrogation program:

“Former Vice President Cheney’s objections to the investigation of possible violations of law committed as part of the Bush administration’s interrogation program shows that he still fails to understand the law, the importance of a Justice Department free of political manipulation, or our nation’s moral values.

“The laws of the United States, and our obligations under international law, require that allegations of torture be investigated and, where appropriate, violations of those laws be prosecuted. The Attorney General, by initiating a preliminary investigation, is taking an important, albeit inadequate, step toward compliance with the law.

“I continue to believe, as I have told the Attorney General, that a special counsel must be appointed to investigate all aspects of the program without any restriction. The investigation should go wherever the facts and the law take it.

“Former Vice President Cheney is essentially saying that any acts performed by members of the CIA – no matter how illegal or abhorrent – are ok, and must never be the subject of a criminal investigation. No matter what anyone in the CIA may do, it need not be subject to the law. This is outrageous, and violates just about every traditional American concept of liberty and justice.

“Vice President Cheney has also repeated his assertion that the use of torture was necessary to protect the safety and security of the nation. In fact, the recently released report of the CIA’s Inspector General shows that, while some of the conduct was illegal, it was also unnecessary to ensure our national security. Professional law enforcement, and experienced interrogators, have all reported that torture is not simply illegal; it is ineffective and counter-productive in securing vital intelligence.

“Torture is also a violation of our nation’s most fundamental values going back as far as General Washington’s prohibition against torture in the Revolutionary War. We have prosecuted our own personnel, as well as foreign leaders, for engaging in the same practices. After World War II, we even executed people for engaging in this conduct.

“Perhaps, given the extent to which Vice President Cheney may be implicated in the use of torture, he may not be able to be completely objective in this matter. Nonetheless, if we are to remain free, we must remain a nation of laws. That means enforcing the law without fear or favor, without political interference – as was the practice during the Bush-Cheney administration – and with a commitment to our values.

“The Bush-Cheney administration lost sight of these values. If we are to move forward, it is important to get the truth out, and to deal with past actions according to the laws of the United States. Only this will protect freedom, and keep America truly safe.”