Today, during the conference meeting on the FY2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) offered a motion to include the Senate provision delaying the release of detainee photographs. The motion received bipartisan support during debate, but was rejected by the House Democrats on the conference committee.

“I’m disappointed that some conferees chose not to put the welfare of our troops first. There are real life implications we are dealing with here. This is a serious issue with serious consequences,” said Granger.

Earlier today in the House, 95 Democrats joined 172 Republicans in voting to oppose the release of detainee photos for a period of three years.  The vote on the Republican motion to instruct conferees on the FY 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill was agreed to by a vote of 267-152.

“Not only are the White House, the Departments of State and Defense, and a clear majority in Congress opposed to the release of these photos, our commanders on the field in Iraq and Afghanistan are strongly opposed as well,” Granger said. “Frankly, there is no question that the release of these photos would be used as propaganda and as a recruiting tool for terrorists.”
   
Last month, President Obama ordered the Justice Department to appeal a federal court ruling allowing the release of detainee photos under the Freedom of Information Act.

“Very few times in Congress do we have an opportunity to do something that will almost certainly save lives – well, I believe this is one of those times,” said Granger.