WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the White House report on the legal framework that guides America’s national-security activities:

“I applaud President Obama’s efforts to be as transparent as possible in matters of national security—a lesson I hope the next Administration will take to heart. The American people have a right to know the rules under which our government operates.  By clearly articulating the laws and policies that govern national-security operations, including the use of military force, detentions, interrogations and prosecutions, this report makes clear to the American people where our nation stands and the values we expect the next administration to uphold.

“The values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are at the heart of America’s identity. Abandoning these values would betray what our nation stands for and play into the hands of our country’s adversaries, making America less secure.

“The current congressional authority for military action is already stretched too thin. I am committed to using my role in Congress to ensure the next administration does not overstep its authority. We must ensure that no matter how heinous our enemies may be, the United States will operate according to the rule of law and human rights norms.”

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