WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to the Associated Press, the Administration will begin releasing the first of seventeen Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) detainees next week. Additionally, the article states that “the administration is continuing to pursue plans to find an alternate U.S.-based facility.” Upon hearing the news, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement:

“Once again, the Administration refuses to listen to Kansans and the American people. At my recent town hall in Leavenworth, Leavenworth County residents voiced their unanimous concerns and frustrations with the President’s plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center and transfer terrorists to the United States – possibly to the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth. It’s time for the President to drop this reckless campaign promise and instead focus on strengthening our national security.”

Items To Note:

Pentagon assessing Fort Leavenworth as possible site for Guantanamo transfers.
(Lubold, Gordon, The Wall Street Journal: Pentagon Assessing Fort Leavenworth as Possible Site for Guantanamo Transfers, 08/14/15)

Congresswoman Jenkins holds special town hall in Leavenworth on GTMO prisoner.
http://jenkins.house.gov/press-releases/jenkins-pompeo-host-special-town-hall-on-gtmo-prisoner-transfer/

Congresswoman Jenkins and Leavenworth May write editorial explaining their bipartisan opposition to the President’s plan to close GTMO.
http://journal.ijreview.com/2015/12/250687-why-we-dont-want-guantanamo-in-our-backyard/

President Obama signs NDAA barring transfer of GTMO detainees.
http://jenkins.house.gov/press-releases/president-obama-signs-ndaa-barring-transfer-of-gtmo-detainees1/

President Obama’s plan to close GTMO would cost as much as $600 million.
http://jenkins.house.gov/press-releases/jenkins-statement-on-pentagons-plan-to-close-guantanamo-bay-detention-center/