By Adam Studzinski
WASHINGTON – The president’s plan to close Guantanamo Bay isn’t getting a good review from two Illinois congressmen.
President Obama announced Tuesday his plan to close the prison and ship up to 60 detainees to the United States and 91 others to foreign countries. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) said it’s not legal to bring those prisoners to the U.S. as it would violate the National Defense Authorization Act.
“We have made it perfectly clear that we don’t want these individuals on American soil,” said Davis. “We have ensured that he has enough direction in the laws that we have passed, and he has, signed to keep Guantanamo open.”
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) said this move is more about the president’s legacy.
“What better place to have military detainees than on an island in a military base that’s 90 miles from the United States?” said LaHood. “I think it’s served its purpose well. I disagree with the president on his plan to do this and I don’t think it makes sense.”
Both Davis and LaHood said detainees who have been released have ended up going back to terrorism.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
