Smith Reacts To White House's Plan To Transfer GITMO Detainees To America

Press Release

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement regarding today's announcement by the Obama Administration putting into motion plans to transfer terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center to the Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Illinois.

"This decision violates the will of the American people and does nothing to make our country safer from future terrorist attacks. Since 2002, Guantanamo Bay has held some of the world's most dangerous terrorists - individuals who would gladly act against us again if given the opportunity. The idea of bringing these detainees to American soil is misguided and I hope President Obama reconsiders while there is still time," Smith said.

Smith is a co-sponsor of H.R. 2294, the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act, which prohibits the transfer or release of terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison to any state without express approval from the state's governor and legislature. The bill also prohibits the President from transferring or releasing a terrorist detainee into the United States unless he provides notification and certification to Congress.

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