David Jolly: “This is a very simple measure. It simply prohibits the relinquishment, the closure, or the transfer of Naval Station…”

“This is a very simple measure. It simply prohibits the relinquishment, the closure, or the transfer of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay out of the possession of the United States. In 1903, as a result of the Cuban-American treaty, the United States began to occupy Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for at least as long as necessary or in perpetuity for naval operations. The treaty stated that the U.S. shall exercise complete jurisdiction and control of the base, while also recognizing the sovereignty of Cuba. Today, Naval Station Guantanamo is a front line for our regional security in the Caribbean. It supports our Navy logistical work; drug interdiction; DHS migrant operations; and, importantly, disaster and humanitarian relief, including responding to the 1980s and 1990s mass migration, as well as the 2010 Haiti earthquake response. Very importantly is what this measure does not do. This measure does not touch the detention facility and the politics of the detention facility. This focuses solely on the national security implications of maintaining the Navy station 90 miles off the shores of Florida. Importantly, it is an issue that has been brought right now as a result of the President's decision to begin to normalize relations with Cuba. Also, importantly, this doesn't take a position on normalizing relations with Cuba.…”