“I am extremely disappointed with the Obama Administration’s decision to try in U.S. civilian courts the Al-Qaeda terrorists who planned, supported, and conducted the September 11^th attacks.  These terrorists are not common criminals.  They are war criminals, who committed acts of war against our citizens and those of dozens of other nations.

“Terrorists who have declared war against our country should be treated as war criminals and tried for their crimes through military tribunals.  In a letter sent to Congress just last week, hundreds of families of victims of the September 11^th attacks urged the Administration to try these terrorists in military tribunals, and I fully respect and agree with their position.  I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues in Congress and with the Obama Administration to make our military tribunals system better able to dispense justice efficiently and fairly while protecting secure information.  If military tribunals are suitable for the terrorists who attacked our sailors aboard the U.S.S. Cole, as the Obama Administration has decided, then military tribunals are certainly the right venue to try the Al-Qaeda terrorists, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who murdered thousands of innocent civilians on September 11, 2001.

“Today’s decision sends a mixed message about America’s resolve in the fight against terrorism.  We are at war, and we must bring terrorists to justice in a manner consistent with the horrific acts of war they have committed.”