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IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 459-03
June 27, 2003

Revised: Secretary Rumsfeld Delegates Appointing Authority

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld has issued Military Commission Order No. 2 delegating Appointing Authority responsibility to Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz.

To date, the President has not determined anyone to be subject to trial by military commission. The Appointing Authority makes the decision whether to refer charges to a military commission if and when the President determines an individual is subject to trial by military commission. The Appointing Authority would also appoint the commission and resolve issues arising during commission proceedings.