WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today launched an online petition to give the American people an opportunity to express their opposition to President Obama’s intention to use executive action to close Guantanamo Bay and transfer terrorists detained there to the United States.

Roberts has said the President is ignoring the security concerns of the American people and laws passed by Congress. Roberts will share the online petition with the White House. He wants to ensure the frustrations of those who believe relocating terrorists to the mainland is a threat to national security are heard.

“Relocating terrorists to the mainland will paint a target on the American communities forced to house these detainees,” Roberts said. “Homegrown terrorists, associates of the detainees and those wishing to attack a high-value and symbolic target will now have an opportunity right in our backyard.

“The White House has said closing Guantanamo will remove a major recruitment tool for our adversaries. I couldn’t disagree more. Moving them to the mainland simply provides them with a more valuable and significant target on American soil.

“The president has proven he will act in the absence of congressional action to fulfill his campaign promises, but the Congress has decisively acted again and again to explicitly block the transfer of terrorists to the mainland.

"Earlier today, the Senate approved the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Bill which explicitly prohibits President Obama from transferring detainees to the mainland. The legislation now goes to the President where he is expected to sign it into law, yet he still will not rule out ignoring this law and using an executive order to close GITMO.

 “I have started an online petition to show the president that he cannot ignore the Congress, and he cannot ignore the American people, especially Kansans, who have very real fears about this security risk being forced into their communities.”

Those interested in stopping President Obama from closing Guantanamo Bay by Executive Order and bringing terrorists to Kansas or anywhere else in the United States may sign the petition at: https://www.roberts.senate.gov/take-action-gitmo/

Americans can also call the White House at (202) 456-1111 today to oppose relocating terrorists to the mainland.

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 against 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 September. In 2009, he fought the administration, including placing legislative holds on nominees, which successfully prevented its plan to consider housing detainees at Ft. Leavenworth.  

Roberts also hosted a press conference Thursday with Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) on this issue. To view footage of that press conference, click here.

 Senator Roberts also took his concerns to the Senate Floor on Thursday. For those remarks, click here.

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