Rep. Carson Statement on the President’s Plan to Close Guantanamo Prison

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. André Carson (D-IN), released the following statement:

“For many years, the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay has tarnished the reputation of the United States. It is used as a rallying cry for terrorists looking to recruit. It raises questions with our allies about our ability to properly handle terrorists captured overseas. And, it continues to call into question our national commitment to justice and the rule of law. I have called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay ever since coming to Congress because I believe it threatens our national security and the moral authority we need to operate around the world. I applaud President Obama for laying out a concrete plan to accomplish it before the end of his term.

“Today, we are paying millions in taxpayer dollars to house fewer than 100 terrorists in this facility. Meanwhile, supermax facilities across the United States are successfully holding convicted terrorists, including a 9/11 conspirator, the Boston Marathon bomber, and a perpetrator of an attempted bombing of Time Square. While I understand the security concerns held by many Americans, facilities in the United States are capable and experienced at holding these types of dangerous prisoners.

“I look forward to President Obama delivering his plan to Congress and to it receiving full deliberation. Many of my colleagues may disagree with this plan, however we have a responsibility to consider it fully without resorting to partisanship or politics.”