Daines Introduces Bill to Temporarily Stop Gitmo Transfers

Nearly Two Dozen Detainees Reportedly Set for Release This Summer 

U.S. SENATE –U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced legislation to temporarily ban the transfer or release of detainees from Guantanamo Bay. 

The administration reportedly is set to release nearly two dozen Gitmo detainees to several different countries this summer amid efforts to close the prison before the end of the president’s term.

Daines’ bill, S. 2999 would prohibit these transfers until either the end of this year or enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017.  

“Terrorists captured by U.S. forces belong in Guantanamo period,” Daines stated.“President Obama is prioritizing a campaign promise over his oath of office by releasing enemy combatants – even though several have returned to the battlefield. We can’t allow terrorists who are looking to harm Americans and others be political pawns.  This reckless and irrational plan will only entice our enemies instead of serving as a powerful deterrent.” 

The NDAA passed last week in the House would require written agreements between the U.S. government and the government of any foreign country that agrees to accept detainees. The House-passed NDAA also would require the next administration to provide Congress with a comprehensive detention plan outlining how the release of any Gitmo detainee fits into the broader strategy for handling individuals detained during wartime.

U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (IN-02) introduced companion legislation in the House.  Original co-sponsors include U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (KS), Tim Scott (SC), and Pat Roberts (KS) and U.S. Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-AL), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21).

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