Representative
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Outlaw "extraordinary rendition"

Dear Representative ,

I join many millions of Americans who are deeply concerned by the practice of "extraordinary rendition" in which the United States is transferring individuals for detention and interrogation to countries with a substantial record of using torture. U.S. legal obligations under federal law and international treaties prohibit the transfer of any person to any country where they are likely to face torture. Nonetheless, the U.S. Government is reported to have sent or been complicit in sending individuals to countries that the State Department has criticized for practicing torture, including Egypt, Jordan and Afghanistan.

I am aware that President Bush has defended "extraordinary rendition" by stating that the U.S. receives "assurances" that detainees will not be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment. Yet, I am concerned that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and U.S. government officials have conceded to the fact that they cannot monitor or ultimately control the actions of other countries with histories of practicing torture, placing the human rights of detainees at serious risk. And there is ample evidence that individuals who have been transferred under this program have, in fact, been tortured.

It is urgent that Congress take immediate steps to help restore America's moral standing in the world by outlawing the unacceptable practice of "extraordinary rendition." I urge you to co-sponsor and work for prompt passage of the Torture Outsourcing Prevention Act (H.R. 952), which would require annual reporting of countries that engage in torture and prohibit the transfer or return of a detainee to a country that has a history of torture. Please do everything in your power to advance this important bill, which is an important step in affirming U.S. commitments under both international and federal law to prevent torture.