On the recordJuly 23, 2013
I thank the gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment which would remove the existing limitations on transferring detainees out of Guantanamo. Our Federal courts have a proven record of prosecuting terrorists, and our Federal prison system is already imprisoning hundreds of convicted terrorists in facilities here in the United States. {time} 1730 It makes no sense to have an external facility, especially one in Cuba, of all places. Guantanamo is a continuing stain on our national honor. It should be closed now. Of the 166 detainees at Guantanamo, 86 have been cleared for release; that is to say, they have been found guilty of nothing and judged to pose no danger. There is no reason and no right for us to hold them further. The detainees will gain no additional rights by being held in the United States. The Supreme Court has ruled that detainees have the same constitutional rights at Guantanamo as they do here. We cannot hold people indefinitely. People may not be terrorists and may be guilty of nothing. We must restore who we are and vote for this amendment.
