WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee announced his support for legislation that would prevent any American citizen from being held indefinitely by the military without trial.  The provision is an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which is currently being considered by the U.S. Senate.

“Congress should make absolutely clear that the U.S. government does not have authority to detain an American citizen indefinitely without trial and proper constitutional process,” said Senator Lee, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  “This amendment ensures the proper balance between individual liberty and national security, and maintains that we are both a free and a secure nation.”

Amendment #1126 to the NDAA states: “The authority described in this section for the Armed Forces of the United States to detain a person does not include the authority to detain a citizen of the United States without trial until the end of hostilities.”

Senator Lee strongly disapproves of any policy that would allow for the indefinite detention of American citizens.  Congress expects to vote on the amendment this week as a part of the NDAA package.