Rep. Chu Votes Against Guantanamo Bay Restrictions

Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5351, a bill to bar the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The bill would, for the first time, prevent all transfers of detainees out of Guantanamo Bay, even to stand trial in a federal court. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), who has visited Guantanamo Bay and voted against the bill, released the following statement:

“This bill to block any and all transfers out of Guantanamo Bay defies all logic. Experts have told us that continued detention at Guantanamo Bay hurts America’s national security. And we know from experience that our federal courts are far more effective at trying and convicting terrorists. But, with this bill, Republicans are forcing an inhumane and unjust situation to continue indefinitely. It’s cruel. This bill won’t even allow us to bring a criminal to justice by putting them on trial. Instead, it demands that human beings stay locked up without charge. This is not who we are.

“Our current system requires a rigorous, interagency review process before a transfer can be approved. Already, many detainees have been transferred, and we know we can do this in a way consistent with our national security and human rights. But as always, Republicans are choosing inaction. I’m deeply disappointed in the lack of respect and faith in our own justice system reflected in this bill today. It’s wrong for our security and our values.”

H.R. 5351 passed by a vote of 244-174. The final vote can be found here.