Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I rise to speak against the Byrd amendment. It is my understanding that, after I speak and after Senator Byrd has a few…”

“I rise to speak against the Byrd amendment. It is my understanding that, after I speak and after Senator Byrd has a few minutes to respond, we will have a vote on this amendment. The amendment put forth by Senator Byrd would take out $40 million requested by the administration in emergency funds to build a detection facility and security fence at Guantanamo Bay. I believe we must keep the $40 million to allow the Department to move forward to make better facilities at Guantanamo Bay, facilities that are more secure, and facilities that will make operations more efficient, especially in the use of guards. Currently, there are about 545 detainees at Guantanamo Bay. About half of those are housed in three camps, which are built as temporary facilities. I have seen these facilities. Many of us have gone to Guantanamo Bay to look at them. They are basically walls made of chain- link fences. Of course, there is no climate control, and there is not very much room for exercise of detainees. Building the more permanent facility would provide a better, more secure facility, and facilities that are better housing units. I think Guantanamo Bay is the perfect place to hold these types of detainees, many of whom are dangerous terrorists. I do not want these prisoners moved. I don't want them moved into facilities in communities in our country, on our shores, where they can pose a danger for our citizens and serve as a lightning rod for terrorist activity.…”