For
Immediate Release: July 7, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, July 7, 2012, Congressman Jim
McDermott (D-WA) was awarded the President’s Award by the Japanese American Citizens
League (JACL), a national civil rights organization. The JACL issued the
following statement explaining why they presented McDermott with its
President’s Award:
“Congressman Jim
McDermott has been an ardent supporter for the cause of civil rights during his
entire career in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has taken courageous
positions in defense of the most vulnerable in our society.
“Just as the JACL cautioned against intolerance directed at Muslim Americans in
the aftermath of September 11th, Congressman McDermott has consistently
condemned anti-Muslim bigotry. He has been an outspoken critic of provisions of
the Patriot Act that compromise individual liberties. In the most recent effort
to extend this Act, Congressman McDermott said, ‘Freedom does not have to be
compromised to defend liberty. Continuing to weaken fundamental American
principles will not leave us more secure, but instead more vulnerable.’
“Congressman McDermott continues to speak against the National Defense
Authorization Act, a measure that would empower the president to indefinitely
detain American citizens without due process. In remarks on the House floor on
December 15, 2011, he said, ‘Our civil liberties would erode if we leave the
interpretation of the law to the commander-in-chief. As we continue our
counter-terrorism efforts at home and abroad, we are leaving enormous leeway to
the current president, the next president, and the president after that to
gather intelligence and detain individuals without charge or trial.’
“Congressman McDermott has supported numerous measures in support of Asian and
Pacific Islander Americans including the Justice for Wards Cove Workers Act of
2012, which would eliminate the special interest exemption for the Wards Cove
Packing Company so that its employees would receive protection under the Civil
Rights Act of 1991.”
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Follow McDermott on Twitter: @RepJimMcDermott.
