Obama Responds To CIA Torture Report: Enhanced Interrogation 'Contrary To Our Values'

The Senate Intelligence Committee released a 500-page summary Tuesday of its report on the Central Intelligence Agency's torture program following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The report, a result of a five-year investigation, details the gruesome techniques and systemic failures of the CIA's post-9/11 practices.

President Barack Obama said the revelations bring light to a "troubling" program involving practices that were "contrary to our values" in a statement following the release.

"That is why I unequivocally banned torture when I took office, because one of our most effective tools in fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe is staying true to our ideals at home and abroad," the president said.

"[I]t reinforces my long-held view that these harsh methods were not only inconsistent with our values as nation, they did not serve our broader counterterrorism efforts or our national security interests."

Obama said he would continue to use his authority as president to ensure enhanced interrogation practices like those detailed in the Senate report are not used in the future.