Reaction to Gitmo ruling along party lines

WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- Reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling Thursday that Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detainees have the right to challenge their detentions fell along party lines.

"(We) owe it not only to detainees but to ourselves as well, to ensure that we are living up to the values and beliefs for which our country stands," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md.

The court ruled 5-4 that detainees could challenge their detentions under the Constitution in federal court.

"We'll abide by the court's decision," U.S. President George Bush said during a Thursday news conference in Rome. "That doesn't mean I have to agree with it."

Bush said legislation may have to be considered to keep the United States safe, USA Today reported.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain said he was "troubled" by the decision.

The U.S. District Court in Washington, which will hear the detainees' challenges, is reviewing how to proceed, court officials said.

"I expect we'll call in the lawyers from both sides to see what suggestions they have for how we can

approach our task most effectively and efficiently," Chief Judge Royce Lamberth said.

Most of the nearly 200 Guantanamo detainee cases are on the court's docket were delayed pending the Supreme Court decision.