"[T]he terrorists are still active, and they are still trying to strike America and they are still trying to kill our people. … Another reason the terrorists have not succeeded is because our government has changed its policies and given our military, intelligence and law enforcement personnel the tools they need to fight this enemy and protect our people and preserve our freedom. … Captured terrorists have unique knowledge about how terrorist networks operate. They have knowledge of where their operatives are deployed and knowledge about what plots are under way. This intelligence—this is intelligence that cannot be found any other place. And our security depends on getting this kind of information. To win the war on terror, we must be able to detain, question and, when appropriate, prosecute terrorists captured here in America and on the battlefields around the world. … [T]hese are enemy combatants who are waging war on our nation. We have a right under the laws of war, and we have an obligation to the American people, to detain these enemies and stop them from rejoining the battle."—George W. Bush, from his "Speech on Terrorism," September 6, 2006 How did the policies described in this excerpt generate debate within the United States? Many Americans grew concerned that their own civil liberties were being threatened or restricted. Few people agreed that prisoners of war should be allowed any type of trial or legal assistance. The War on Terror expanded the military budget and led to severe cuts in social welfare programs. No proof existed that the government's efforts had successfully thwarted any new terrorist attacks.