Defense Secretary Nominee Pledges Not to Bow to White House Pressure on Gitmo Detainee Transfers

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) questioned Defense Secretary Nominee Dr. Ashton Carter regarding the administration's Guantanamo Bay detainee policy during today's Senate Armed Services Committee nomination hearing. Dr. Carter pledged neither to bow to White House pressure to increase the pace of Guantanamo detainee transfers nor to release detainees who may threaten the United States or its allies. Senator Ayotte released the following statement regarding Dr. Carter's comments:

"I am pleased by Dr. Carter's pledge not to bow to White House pressure when it comes to the transfer of Guantanamo detainees, but the administration's willingness to transfer dangerous detainees in an effort to close Guantanamo demonstrates the need for the legislation I have introduced. We know that at least 107 terrorists formerly detained at Guantanamo are confirmed to have reengaged in terrorist activity, and another 77 are suspected of doing so. According to public reports, at least two former detainees have joined ISIS. We must ensure that the security of the American people, not a misguided campaign promise, guides decisions related to the transfer of Guantanamo detainees. No American service member should ever have to confront a former Guantanamo detainee on the battlefield."

Source