Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I oppose this amendment, and I ask Members to vote against it. The distinguished Senator from New Hampshire just said that any transfer of Guantanamo detainees out of that facility essentially endangers Americans. But consider how effectively we hold terrorists in the United States today. We have 180 terrorists in Federal prisons in the United States of America who are in maximum security, and they cannot escape. We have supermax prisons. We have prisons where for 23 hours a day individuals are in a cell that is all concrete with just a small viewing place. What this amendment would do is prevent any flexibility forever in how the U.S. government can handle those held in Guantanamo Bay. For example, the Guantanamo detainees could not be moved to a supermax prison in the United States. I don't think preventing options is the right thing to do. No one in all these years has escaped from a supermax prison in the United States of America. So clearly, the detainees could be held safely and securely. Additionally, I believe this amendment could bring on a veto by the President. Today, a statement of administration policy was issued that indicated concern about restricting the transfer of Guantanamo detainees. I believe Guantanamo has been a blight on the image of our country across this world and it should be closed down. It is important to note that there are reasons to have the flexibility that Senator Ayotte's amendment would restrict.…”