A bill by Rep. Markey of Massachusetts, H. R. 952, which would prevent the the government from sending prisoners to countries where they are likely to be tortured, was introduced on February 17. The bill would require a list, based on the State Department's list of countries that practice torture, to be made and submitted to relevant Congressional committees once a year. Persons held by the government could not be submitted to those countries, or any country that they would have reason to believe might be put on the next list, unless they have some way, beyond the mere word of that country, to ensure that the prisoner will not be tortured.
The bill is hardly perfect, but would be a vast improvement over nothing. It is currently still in the House Committee on International Relations. I doubt this would ever pass - shoot, it may not make it out of committee - but I certainly hope it does.
The issue of torture and rendition, issues covered here many times in the past, have apparently been getting some serious attention in the press and on television lately, as Body and Soul reports. Hopefully, this will build some impetus for change, though I am somewhat skeptical.
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