In one of those Orwellian twists that have become all too familiar, the White House insists blandly that it stands firm and resolute in its opposition to the use of torture.

It's just that what has happened at Abu Ghraib and perhaps at Guantanamo Bay, the White House points out, is not torture.

So that takes care of that.

Not in the minds of 90 U.S. senators, who have approved an amendment to the defense appropriation bill that would clarify U.S. policy on torture.

Sponsored by Sen. John McCain, a former prisoner of war and no stranger to torture himself, the amendment would make make the Army Field Manual's specifics on handling of prisoners apply in all cases, including those detained as "unlawful combatants."

This would cut directly into the administration's watery claim that such unlawful combatants (including many at Guantanamo) are not entitled to the protections of the Geneva Convention.

It shouldn't take an act of Congress to make the point. But if that's what is needed, so be it.

The House should quickly adopt the Senate language, and President Bush should allow it to become law.