Holder: Obama to talk about drones soon

Story by USA Today
Written by David Jackson

We heard -- at length -- from the filibustering Rand Paul about drones.

Soon, we may be hearing from President Obama.

Attorney General Eric Holder told senators Wednesday that Obama will soon discuss the issues behind the use of armed drones, especially as they apply to American citizens.

"You will hear the president speak about this," Holder told the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The U.S. has used armed drone strikes overseas against suspected members of al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, including at least one American citizen.

That has raised questions about the president's drone authority domestically.

Said Holder: "We have talked about a need for greater transparency in what we share, what we talk about. ... There would be a greater degree of comfort that this government does these things reluctantly but also in conformity with international law, with domestic law and with our values."

From The Washington Post:

"Holder was questioned by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) about whether it was constitutional to target a U.S. citizen on American soil if that person posed no imminent threat and was, for example, simply sitting in a cafe.

"Holder said it would not be 'appropriate.' Earlier in his testimony, he said the possibility of capture, a key factor in any decision, is markedly different between the United States and overseas.

"Holder said the use of armed drones in the United States might occur when events like the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks or the strike on Pearl Harbor were underway.

"Cruz said he plans to introduce legislation that would outlaw the use of drones for armed attacks in the United States."