Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. I believe we need to set the conditions for the closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo. It is in the United States national security interests to do so. Guantanamo has become a rallying cry. It serves as a recruitment tool for terrorists, and it increases the will of our enemies to fight while decreasing the will of others to work with America. Part of the rationale for establishing Guantanamo in the first place was the misplaced idea that the facility would be beyond the law--a proposition rejected by the United States Supreme Court. As a result, the continued operation of this facility creates the impression in the eyes of our allies and our enemies alike that the United States selectively observes the rule of law. There is no reason that we should impose upon ourselves the legal and moral problems arising from the prospect of indefinite detentions at Guantanamo. Working through civil courts since 9/11, hundreds of individuals have been convicted of terrorism or of terrorism-related offenses and are now serving long sentences in Federal prison. Not one has ever escaped custody. For these reasons, I believe that the time is past due to take the actions needed to initiate the closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo. I yield back the balance of my time.”