As U.S. Confirms 2 More Gitmo Detainees Returned to Battlefield, Zinke Votes to Stop Transfer and Release of Terrorists

Press Release

Today Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke voted for H.R. 5351, a bill to prohibit the transfer and release of terrorists who are being held at the United States Naval Station in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The bill passed the house by a vote of 244-174. The vote comes on the heels of a shocking report that the Obama Administration confirmed two more former Guantanamo detainees rejoined terrorist networks. Reuters also reported that since President Obama took office, nine people freed from Guantanamo have rejoined militant groups according to the Office of Director of National Intelligence.

Following the vote, Rep. Zinke said: "Yesterday the Obama Administration confirmed two more terrorists released from Guantanamo have returned to the battlefield, bringing the total under his watch to nine. That's nine too many. I know from experience that it only takes one terrorist to do harm. I put terrorists in Guantanamo for a good reason in order to keep them there and to keep Montanans and Americans safe. There should be no catch and release program. They should stay there forever."

Zinke served 23 years as a U.S. Navy SEAL officer, including tours as the Commander of Joint Special Forces in Iraq (2004) and as a Commander at SEAL Team SIX. He retired at the rank of Commander in 2008. He was awarded two bronze stars for her service.

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