OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Prohibiting the Transfer of Any Detainee At United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 15, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank Chairman Randy Forbes.

Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected, one of the first persons to greet me was my classmate of 2001, Chairman Randy Forbes. From the beginning, I saw what a gentleman he was, what a dedicated Member of Congress he has been. I so appreciate his leadership on behalf of national defense, promoting peace through strength.

Additionally, he and his wife, Shirley, are stalwart Christians, promoting religious freedom successfully around the world, making a difference.

I am grateful to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 5351, prohibiting the transfer of Guantanamo detainees. Introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, this further protects American families by halting the transfer of any detainee to any location.

During the August recess, sadly, the administration released 15 more dangerous detainees from Guantanamo Bay. The prisoners that are being held there--and I have been to Guantanamo Bay twice, I know the professionalism of the American military--these are the co-conspirators of Osama Bin Laden, trained mass murderers. By holding them there, we show our resolve and that we have not forgotten the mass murderous attacks of September 11.

The President's reckless release of detainees puts American servicemembers and families at risk. The deterrence of incarceration has never been more important.

We, today, have a greater spread of terrorist safe havens than in the history of the world. From Algeria in North Africa, through the Middle East, through South Asia, all the way to Indonesia and the Philippines, these safe havens of Islamic terrorists are going to receive persons to come and be reinforcements.

In March, the Director of National Intelligence reported that at least 116 detainees, nearly a third, released from Guantanamo have returned to the battlefield. What we have further is Reuters reports that more have returned to the battlefield to threaten and kill American families.

I appreciate the leadership of Congresswoman Walorski of Indiana, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

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