H. Res. 627
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
May 6, 2004.
Whereas the American people and the world are dismayed by
revelations of abuses inflicted upon detainees at the Abu
Ghraib prison in Baghdad;
Whereas the military justice process so far has resulted in
charges being brought against six individuals, three of
whom have been recommended for trial by court martial;
Whereas the investigation by the United States Central Com-
mand has identified problems of leadership, chain of com-
mand, and training that contributed to the instances of
abuse;
Whereas the Congress was not fully informed of the exist-
ence, or the seriousness, of those abuses or of the inves-
tigation of those abuses until after they had been dis-
closed in the national media;
Whereas such abuses are offensive to the principles and val-
ues of the American people and the United States mili-
tary, are incompatible with the professionalism, dedica-
tion, standards and training required of individuals who
serve in the United States military, and contradict the
policies, orders, and laws of the United States and the
United States military and undermine the ability of the
United States military to achieve its mission in Iraq;
•HRES 627 EH
Whereas the vast majority of members of the Armed Forces
have upheld the highest possible standards of profes-
sionalism and morality in the face of illegal tactics and
terrorist attacks and attempts on their lives;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces have planned and
conducted, frequently at great peril and cost, military op-
erations in a manner carefully intended to prevent or
minimize injury to Iraqi civilians and property;
Whereas over 138,000 members of the United States Armed
Forces serving in Iraq, a total force comprised of active,
National Guard, and Reserve personnel, are executing a
courageous and determined mission to rebuild and reha-
bilitate a proud nation after liberating it from the tyr-
anny, oppression, and genocide of Saddam Hussein’s evil
regime;
Whereas the Department of Defense has awarded members
of the Armed Forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom
at least 3,767 Purple Hearts, as well as thousands of
commendations for valor, including at least 4 Distin-
guished Service Crosses, 127 Silver Stars, and over
16,000 Bronze Stars;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces, United States citi-
zens, over 30 Coalition partners, and patriotic Iraqis are
working to finally return the government of Iraq to the
Iraqi people after decades of despotism;
Whereas since the deposing of Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi
people have enjoyed substantial improvements in essential
services, including major water, sewage, power, infra-
structure, transportation, telecommunications, and food
security projects that already benefit millions more citi-
zens than under the Ba’ath Party regime;
•HRES 627 EH
Whereas the quality of life for Iraqis has significantly im-
proved in the areas of food availability, health services,
and educational opportunities since the downfall of the
Hussein government; and
Whereas security provided by the United States Armed
Forces, the Coalition partners of the United States, and
the Iraqi people has permitted the adoption by Iraq of a
Transitional Administrative Law, with the promise of a
sovereign Iraqi Interim Government, national elections, a
constitution, and democracy: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) deplores and condemns the abuse of persons in
United States custody in Iraq, regardless of the cir-
cumstances of their detention;
(2) declares that the alleged crimes of a handful of
individuals should not detract from the commendable
sacrifices of over 300,000 members of the United States
Armed Forces who have served, or who are serving, in
Operation Iraqi Freedom;
(3) reaffirms and reinforces the American principle
that any and all individuals under the custody and care
of the United States Armed Forces shall be afforded
proper and humane treatment;
(4) urges the Secretary of the Army to conduct a
full and thorough investigation into any and all allega-
tions of mistreatment or abuse of detainees in Iraq;
•HRES 627 EH
(5) urges the Secretary of the Army and appro-
priate military authorities to undertake corrective action
to address chain of command deficiencies and the sys-
temic deficiencies identified in the incidents in question;
(6) urges the Secretary of the Army to bring to
swift justice any member of the Armed Forces who has
violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice to ensure
that their actions are not allowed to impugn the integ-
rity of the United States Armed Forces or undermine
the United States mission in Iraq;
(7) reaffirms the need for Congress to be frequently
updated on the status of efforts by the Department of
Defense to address and resolve issues identified in this
resolution;
(8) expresses the deep appreciation of the Nation to
the courageous and honorable members of the Armed
Forces who have selflessly served, or who are currently
serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom;
(9) expresses the support and thanks of the Nation
to the families and friends of the soldiers, Marines, air-
men, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen who have served, or
who are serving, in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and
(10) expresses the continuing solidarity and support
of the House of Representatives and the American peo-
ple for the partnership of the United States with the