President Bush has vetoed a congressional measure that would have banned the CIA from using interrogation practices seen by many as forms of torture. The bill forced the CIA to abide by interrogation rules in the Army Field Manual. The manual specifically bans waterboarding, mock executions, electric shocks, beatings, forcing sexual acts and deprivation of food, water or medical care. In his weekly radio address, Bush said a ban on these practices would harm national security.

President Bush: “The fact that we have not been attacked over the past six-and-a-half years is not a matter of chance. It is the result of good policies and the determined efforts of individuals carrying them out. We owe these individuals our thanks, and we owe them the authorities they need to do their jobs effectively. We have no higher responsibility than stopping terrorist attacks. And this is no time for Congress to abandon practices that have a proven track record of keeping America safe.”

Democrats and human rights groups roundly criticized the veto. House Democrats say they’ll try to override it with a new vote next week.