GOP blast Gitmo decision, Graham says he is willing to push for a constitutional amendment if necessary

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) vowed Thursday to do everything in his power to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision on Guantanamo Bay detainees, saying that, “if necessary,” he would push for a constitutional amendment to modify the decision.

A former military prosecutor, Graham blasted the decision as “irresponsible and outrageous,” echoing the sentiments of many congressional Republicans and President Bush.

Earlier in the day, the court ruled 5-4 that suspected terrorists held by the U.S. military at Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention in federal court.

When talking to reporters Thursday afternoon, Graham cautioned that it he was still digesting the decision but said he was “looking at every way I can to modify this position,” including fighting to change the statute.

“The American people are going to wake up tomorrow and be shocked to hear that a member of Al Qaeda has the same constitutional rights as an American citizen,” said Graham.

“[Even] the Nazis never had that right.”

Speaking to reporters in Italy, President Bush also said he disagreed with the court’s ruling, but said he would respect it.

“We'll abide by the Court's decision,” said Bush. “That doesn't mean I have to agree with it. It's a deeply divided Court, and I strongly agree with those who dissented, and their dissent was based upon their serious concerns about U.S. national security.”

Bush said he would study the opinion and “determine whether or not additional legislation might be appropriate” in order to protect the American people.

Other prominent Republicans weighed in as well, with nearly all criticizing the decision.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) accused the court of "moving the goal posts on what the constitution requires" by changing the existing law regarding the rights of detainees.

"It is up to us now to try and come back and address the court's concerns," said Cornyn, who said the decision should prompt Congress to review the Military Commission Act and possibly the Detainee Treatment Act.

That might be a tall order for Senate Republicans, as Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said earlier in the day he sees no need to revisit the two laws in light of the court's decision.

Other Republicans focused on what the decision might mean for troops on the battlefield.

“This decision will come at a cost,” said Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee.

“The Supreme Court just moved us closer to the day when U.S. Marine rifle teams will have to have lawyers read Miranda rights to terrorists captured on the battlefield.”