S1867 Misinformation

[Jose Borrajero]

When spreading rumors, it is a good idea that the rumors be accurate. Otherwise one runs the risk of losing credibility. There is plenty to dislike about this bill, but detention of US citizens is not one of them. 

Here is the claim by Downsize DC:

 URGENT Indefinite Jailing of Americans, and Others Get It Worse

Posted by Jim Babka

The U.S. Senate is about to take some law enforcement powers from the Justice Department, and give greater policing powers to the Department of Defense. These policing powers can (and will) be used on American soil. It appears that, under just two small sections of the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1867). . .

1. American citizens and lawful resident aliens, could be INDEFINITELY jailed.

 

Here is the truth:

These claims are not accurate, based on the bill itself. Section 1032, subsections b-1 and b-2 have specific exclusions for US citizens and legal foreign residents. 

Here is a quote from the actual text of the bill, page 430, lines 8-20

 

8 (b) APPLICABILITY TO UNITED STATES CITIZENS

9 AND LAWFUL RESIDENT ALIENS.—

10 (1) UNITED STATES CITIZENS.—The require11

ment to detain a person in military custody under

12 this section does not extend to citizens of the United

13 States.

14 (2) LAWFUL RESIDENT ALIENS.—The require15

ment to detain a person in military custody under

16 this section does not extend to a lawful resident

17 alien of the United States on the basis of conduct

18 taking place within the United States, except to the

19 extent permitted by the Constitution of the United

20 States.