House Members Introduce Bill to Prohibit Guantanamo Transfers Until Obama Administration Rationalizes Release of Taliban Leaders

Press Release

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) along with Reps. Bill Flores (R-TX) and Mike Pompeo (R-KS), filed the House companion measure to Sen. Ted Cruz's (R-TX) bill to prohibit Guantanamo transfers. If passed, this bill would temporarily halt further transfers or releases for detainees at Guantanamo Bay until the Obama Administration can justify the benefits of this prisoner exchange.

"The release of the five dangerous Taliban leaders by the Obama Administration is truly outrageous. Time and time again this administration has shown the American people that it is as transparent as hardened mud, though it has claimed more transparency more often than any administration since the Carter administration's chaotic term in the White House. Not only does this prisoner exchange put the lives of countless Americans in jeopardy, it displays to the world that the U.S. will negotiate with terrorists; and, that frankly puts us in a frightening place," said Congressman Louie Gohmert.

"President Obama owes all Americans an explanation for his unilateral negotiations to release five Taliban terrorists. This prisoner trade has significant, adverse repercussions for our national security. As opposed to making destructive decisions, the president must follow the law and work with Congress prior to releasing dangerous prisoners. It is clear that the administration is not properly vetting these situations with Congress and they are putting Americans at risk. This legislation takes a crucial step to make sure that Congress is fully informed of the potential future risks and dangerous implications these five terrorists pose for the U.S. going forward," said Congressman Flores.

Congressman Mike Pompeo, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee and a former Army officer said, "President Obama's catch-and-release approach to terrorists must stop immediately. It was a grave and dangerous mistake to release the Taliban Five whose commitment to jihad against America has shown no signs of dissipating and will now pose a threat to our troops abroad. This bill takes steps to ensure that the President cannot unilaterally empty Guantanamo Bay in order to close it. We must keep Americans safe."

Specifically, the bill will block any funds from being spent on the transfer or release of Guantanamo detainees until either 90 days after submitting a report to Congress that justifies the release of the Taliban 5, or 180 days after this bill is signed into law.

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