Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement criticizing the President for issuing a signing statement in opposition to a provision in the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 which would prohibit the Administration from transferring any terrorist detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States:
“Broad majorities from both chambers of the U.S. Congress, including many from the President’s own party, voted to prohibit Guantanamo Bay detainees from being transferred into the United States. More importantly, the provision which offends the President and his advisors reflects the general will of the American people who oppose bringing terrorists to our shores.”
“The simple fact remains that the President’s terrorist detention and prosecution programs remain adrift without a coherent path forward. The President has previously committed to working with Congress on these critical issues to ensure that we are taking the steps necessary to protect our national security. During the 112th Congress, members of the House Armed Services Committee will attempt to work with the Administration to refocus our efforts and reemphasize our primary goals: detaining terrorists to prevent them from returning to the battlefield and prosecuting them for terrorist acts committed against the United States.”
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