What are the provisions of Martial Law?

Question

According to this article Bush has signed into law the power to deploy troops anywhere in the U.S to oppose public disaray:
http://towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/911/

In a stealth maneuver, President Bush has signed into law a provision which, according to Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), will actually encourage the President to declare federal martial law (1). It does so by revising the Insurrection Act, a set of laws that limits the President's ability to deploy troops within the United States. The Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C.331 -335) has historically, along with the Posse Comitatus Act (18 U.S.C.1385), helped to enforce strict prohibitions on military involvement in domestic law enforcement. With one cloaked swipe of his pen, Bush is seeking to undo those prohibitions.

My question is this.....what would the role of federal troops be deployed within the U.S Borders?

Answer 1

Bush cannot legally do any of the things you are worried about.

Federal troops may only used "to suppress a rebellion" or where it is impossible to enforce laws "by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings". So, the courts would need to be unable to handle criminal cases, or armed rebellion.

But we've all see how often he actually lets the law get in the way of what he has Decided needs to be done.

Answer 2

The posse comitatus act prohibits using Federal Troops to enforce civilan laws.

Bush signed this after criticism of delays getting Federalized National Guard and reserve troops to LA after katrina hit.

Now the president can declare a 'national emergency' and use federal troops to support that operation.

The role of Federal Troops deployed within US borders would be to act to protect lives and safeguard property.

Answer 3

The website you cited describes itself as "a progressives perspective on world events" in other words liberal propaganda.

Its funny though, the description in the article (although false) is exactly what libs are criticizing the president for not doing after Hurricane Katrina! But I guess consistency doesn't matter.

Answer 4

I'll take a wild stab... to arrest and detain anyone interfering with those wishing to illegally cross the Rio Grande?