Holder, Before Senate Judiciary, Defends Trial Decision

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 18: U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. takes his seat to testify during the Senate Judiciary oversight hearing on the Justice Department. Holder is defending his decision to put five Guant�namo Bay detainees on trial in New York City, in revised testimony submitted hours before his appearance Wednesday morning before the Senate Judiciary Committee. ÒProsecuting the 9/11 defendants in federal court does not represent some larger judgment about whether or not we are at war,Ó Holder wrote in a new version of his prepared remarks that the Justice Department sent to committee aides early Wednesday morning. ÒWe are at war, and we will use every instrument of national power Ð civilian, military, law enforcement, intelligence, diplomatic, and others Ð to win. We need not cower in the face of this enemy. Our institutions are strong, our infrastructure is sturdy, our resolve is firm, and our people are ready.Ó HolderÕs decision to put five alleged 9/11 plotters, including alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, on trial in a regular federal court in Manhattan sparked criticism from Republicans who said it would pose security risks and give the alleged terrorists a platform for their views. (Photo by Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly/Getty Images)