US Senate demands "clarification" from Pentagon

After growing pressure from the mainstream media and the general public, the Senate overwhelmingly voted to demand a "clarification" from the Pentagon in its policy for detainee treatment. The Whitehouse opposed the measure, which was attached to a defense spending bill. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell supported the measure, as did highly decorated war-veteran and Republican Senate leader John McCain.

This measure does not restrict the activity of the CIA or other government agencies, specifically the "rendition", or kidnapping of suspects and delivery to countries which practice torture.

The House must reconcile its version of the bill to the Senate version for it to become law.