Washington, DC  -  The U.S. military prison in Cuba helps the United States gain valuable information about terrorist activities throughout the world and should continue in operation, Congressman Mike Rogers said today.

Rogers made the comments after completing a tour of the Guantanamo Bay facility on Monday. The prison has received extensive media coverage over alleged mistreatment of prisoners, but Rogers said the American soldiers he talked with said detainees were treated with utmost care.

“Americans should be proud of the work our men and women in uniform are doing at this facility,” said Rogers, a member of the Armed Services Committee. “The information we are gaining from these prisoners is critical for helping prosecute the War on Terror, and I am pleased to see our troops stationed there are carrying out their duties with pride and confidence.”

Rogers criticized U.S. lawmakers for comments that do not reflect the professionalism he witnessed in Cuba. “These prisoners get better treatment than many of our own troops,” he said.

 

“They’re well fed, are allowed to exercise and pray, and in general are given the utmost respect.”
 Rogers also took issue with the criticisms from interest groups in the U.S. regarding the facility, saying the military has opened the prison to close media scrutiny.

“Hundreds of journalists and nearly one hundred Congressional representatives of both parties have visited this facility,” Rogers added. “The facts are that information gleaned from these interrogations is saving American lives. Further, our military is doing a great job interrogating these dangerous criminals, and doing everything it can to ensure this facility reflects the willingness of the United States to treat even our enemies with respect.”