Political Quotes

“I am deeply disappointed that H.R. 6523, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, includes a section to prohibit the transfer of terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay to the United States to face prosecution. This section takes away one of the greatest tools we have to protect our national security--our ability to prosecute terrorism defendants in Federal courts. The result is to make it more likely that terrorists will not be brought to justice. Current law allows for the transfer of these terrorist suspects for prosecution in the Federal courts. This is a policy that I strongly support. I want to see those who have committed acts of terrorism convicted in our justice system and sentenced to long terms in prison. Our Federal judges and Federal prosecutors have extraordinary experience dealing with complex terrorism and conspiracy cases. The record speaks for itself. Since September 11, 2001, over 425 persons have been convicted on terrorism related charges in the Federal courts--including more than 70 defendants since President Obama took office in January 2009. And yet, despite this strong record, Congress continues to try to tie the hands of law enforcement and other security agencies. The prohibition contained in section 1032 of H.R. 6523 is a complete bar on transfers of terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay to the United States. There are no exceptions to this prohibition for Federal prosecutions.”