Hudson's GITMO Amendment Passes House
June 16, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2016
Hudson’s GITMO Amendment Passes House
House Approves Critical Defense Spending Bill with Hudson’s Key Amendment to Block All Guantanamo Bay Detainee Transfers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement after his amendment to prohibit the administration from transferring any detainees out of the military prison at Guantanamo Bay passed the House as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for FY17 (H.R. 5293):
“We are at war with radical Islamic extremists, yet our commander-in-chief is so focused on closing Guantanamo Bay that he ignores the danger represented by these terrorists. The president’s plan is as dangerous as it is naïve, and my amendment is another hurdle to make sure it never happens.
“In addition, this defense bill uses taxpayer dollars in a responsible, cost-efficient way to maintain a defense system that can meet the growing threats we face. I am hopeful the Senate will support this legislation and honor our obligation to protect the American people.”
Yesterday, Rep. Hudson’s amendment – which, if enacted, would be the strictest prohibition of transfers yet – was adopted by voice vote yesterday to the defense spending bill. H.R. 5293 provides annual funding totaling $575.8 billion for the Department of Defense. Specifically, this legislation provides $3 billion above the FY16 levels and allocates $58.6 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO)/Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) funding to wage and win the war on terrorism. This legislation also prioritizes military training and readiness and funds a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops.
To watch Rep. Hudson’s remarks in support of his amendment, or read the transcripts, click here.
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Issues:Defense & National Security