InlandEmpire.US —U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today welcomed the Obama Administration’s decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the 9/11 co-conspirators in military commissions instead of U.S. federal courts.  McKeon’s statement follows:

“We are glad the Administration has decided to try those responsible for the 9/11 attacks on our country in military commissions.  While the Administration has delayed for too long reaching this point, it is time to obtain justice for the victims of 9/11, their families, and the American people.

“Military commissions were created and updated by Congress to deal with violations of the laws of war and to protect the unique sensitivities that might arise in national security cases.  We will remain vigilant in our oversight activities to ensure the Administration safeguards sensitive information so details about our troops and intelligence activities do not fall into terrorists’ hands.

“We will also work to ensure the Administration devotes all the best resources to this process–both for prosecution and defense.”