Washington DC – U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation today to prohibit the transfer of terrorists from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Camp Pendleton San Diego.  The legislation specifically prohibits the use of federal funds to transfer combatants to Camp Pendleton and Miramar, and the modification or construction of detention facilities at either base.

"The intent of the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats to close Guantanamo Bay severely undermines our nation’s detention operations," said Congressman Hunter.  "The terrorists held at Guantanamo present a serious threat to the security of the American people.  At least 61 combatants released so far are believed to have returned to the battlefield, rejoining the fight against U.S. military forces.  Closing Guantanamo and bringing detention operations to a grinding halt will not help us achieve victory any quicker or make the American people any safer.                               

"Amidst the discussion about where to transfer terrorists held at the facility, Camp Pendleton and Miramar have been suggested as possible relocation sites.  I could not disagree more with the idea of housing terror suspects on any of San Diego’s major military bases.  Camp Pendleton and Miramar are responsible for training our sailors and Marines for combat.  Transferring detainees to these bases would cause an enormous distraction and interfere with their training and mission requirements.  My legislation ensures that Camp Pendleton and Miramar are not deterred from their wartime operations by prohibiting the use of any federal dollars for the transfer or detention of terrorists.

"At a time when we need stay focused on winning the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is irresponsible to close the prison facility at Guantanamo Bay.  If the plan to close the prison moves forward, then we must have a serious discussion about where to put these terrorists and the judicial complications that will surely arise from their transfer.
 

"It is in our national security interests to keep Guantanamo Bay open." 

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