The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings on the future of the Guantanamo Bay prison today, a week after officials ranging from Jimmy Carter to Republican Senator Mel Martinez called for its closure following reports of prisoner abuse. More than 500 inmates have been held as “enemy combatants” at the prison — some for more than 3 years. Only 4 have been charged.

The Committee’s Republican Chairman, Arlen Specter, called for Congress to step up and create legal standards for the prison, with clear policy and guidelines. Delaware Senator Joseph Biden called the prison the “greatest propaganda tool that exists for recruiting of terrorists around the world.” Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy said it is an “international embarrassment.”

Vivica Novak, Washington correspondent for Time magazine, reports on today’s hearings.

Guests:

Vivica Novak is Washington correspondent for Time magazine and was at the hearings.