News and Press Releases :: September 29, 2010

McKeon Criticizes House Democratic Leaders for Weakening House Position on Terrorist Detainees

Intelligence Authorization Bill Would Allow Administration to Import 9/11 Mastermind into the United States

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, today criticized House Democratic leaders for bringing legislation to the House floor that would weaken the chamber’s position on importing terrorist detainees held at Guantanamo Bay into the United States.  

During consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 in May, an overwhelming majority of the House of Representatives voted to block the transfer of 9-11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the other detainees housed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States.  The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which Democratic leaders are attempting to push through the House during the waning days of the fiscal year, undermines that position and does not explicitly prohibit the transfer of terrorist detainees into the United States. 

“House Democratic leaders continue to refuse to listen to the American people.  Instead of simply reiterating the House position that explicitly prohibits moving Guantanamo detainees into the United States, Democratic leaders would allow the Administration to import these dangerous criminals if the President submits the necessary paperwork,” said McKeon.   

“Our citizens have made their views clear on this point.  They do not want the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks or other terrorists moved into the United States for any reason.  Period.  It’s time for House Democrats to stand up and join with the American people and Republicans in opposing this bill until it prohibits terrorists from being transferred into the United States.”  

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