WASHINGTON, DC – Frustrated with a lack of intelligence concerning President Obama’s plan to relocate terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the mainland, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today demanded answers from the Secretary of Defense about the consequences to national security of such a move. Roberts is a former chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Audio of Senator Roberts’ remarks can be found below.

“There has been no comprehensive intelligence analysis of security risks or alleged benefits to the American people should detainees held at Guantanamo be relocated to the mainland,” Roberts said. “How can the Administration decide that moving these terrorists is in our best interests if we do not have an analysis of the threats? With both the American people and the Congress opposed to this executive action, how is the President reaching this decision?”

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch yesterday testified before the House Judiciary Committee and said, “With respect to individuals being transferred to the United State, the law currently does not allow for that. And that is not, as I am aware of, going to be contemplated given the legal prescriptions.”

“The Congress has banned the transfer of detainees, the American people, and more especially Kansans are opposed to the effort, President Obama’s own Attorney General says that it would be against the law, and there has been no comprehensive intelligence analysis of what this executive action would do to American communities or to our overall war against terror,” Roberts said. “Because neither national security nor the wishes of the American people have determined this course of action, we can only conclude that closing GITMO is to fulfill a campaign promise and add to the President’s alleged legacy. And it is a mistake.”

The following is the text of a letter dated today that Senator Roberts sent to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter:

Earlier this month Senator Roberts started an online petition to allow Kansans to voice their opposition to President Obama’s attempts to close Guantanamo Bay by Executive Order and bring terrorists to Kansas or anywhere else in the United States. Those interested may sign the petition at: https://www.roberts.senate.gov/take-action-gitmo/

Senator Roberts has also recorded a PSA encouraging Kansans to sign the petition. To download the 60 second PSA click here. For longer audio click here.

Roberts has been an outspoken opponent of closing the United States’ current detainment facilities due to the high security risks and economic costs.  Roberts has actively fought the Obama Administration’s efforts to transfer Guantanamo detainees to the mainland, particularly to Ft. Leavenworth. Roberts placed a hold on the administration’s nominee for Secretary of the Army in August. In 2009, he fought the administration, including placing legislative holds on nominees, which successfully prevented its plan to consider housing detainees at Ft. Leavenworth.  

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