Senator Scott Welcomes Gov. Haley’s Testimony on Guantanamo

Washington – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the statement below following South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency regarding the dangers of moving the Guantanamo Bay detention facilities to South Carolina.

“I want to thank Governor Haley for her testimony today on behalf of the people of South Carolina and the communities the President’s reckless plan to move Guantanamo Bay could affect. As Governor Haley reaffirmed today, the President’s plan to move Guantanamo Bay terrorists to domestic soil, including possibly to the Naval Brig in Hanahan, needlessly endangers the safety of American communities. A majority of Congress and the American people oppose the President’s dreadful plan, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to pass the Detaining Terrorists to Protect American Act and our resolution calling for the President to send captured ISIS fighters to Guantanamo.”

Senator Scott joined Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) to introduce the Detaining Terrorists to Protect Americans Act, which bars the President from transferring any detainee to any foreign country and continues a current prohibition on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay facility as well as any attempt to transfer detainees to domestic sites.

Senator Scott also joined Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) to introduce Senate Resolution 396, calling on the President to detain ISIS fighters at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.