Senate May Investigate CIA Detention, Interrogation and Rendition Practices

Is the Senate finally entering the fray on the torture debate? It is being reported that the Senate intelligence committee may be moving toward opening an investigation of CIA detention and interrogation techniques, as well as the CIA practice of rendition, whereby detainees are sent to third countries. If a formal investigation happens (which will only come about if there is strong Republican support for it), it may provide additional facts and a boost for plaintiffs lawyers representing detainees in pending habeas and civil actions. But even an informal review from the committee will be a welcome change from the silence we have heard to date.