After Prolonged Battle Gitmo Detainees Added To ‘No Fly' List

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mark Souder voted today in favor of H.R. 2200, a bill to reauthorize funding for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Democrats had previously resisted Souder's amendment to this bill during debate in the committee, and then refused to allow it to be offered on the floor. During the conclusion of the debate in the House today, however, the Democrats conceded and fundamentally restored the original intent of the Souder amendment.

The legislation will now require that Guantanamo detainees be placed on the ‘no fly' list, unless the president certifies in writing that a detainee poses no threat. The amendment passed by a vote of 412-12.

"I am not in favor of President Obama's decision to close Guantanamo," said Souder, a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee. "I am pleased that the amendment passed today will help to ensure the safety of the American people."

"The wide bipartisan support for this amendment makes it clear that other members of Congress share my concerns," Souder added. "It doesn't make any sense to have former detainees flying on commercial airlines when these flights have been the target of terrorist violence in the past."

"Despite the Democrat's original opposition, I am glad that this issue was resolved and common sense prevailed," Souder concluded.

The TSA authorization bill will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

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