DOJ opposes House Gitmo measure; Senate approval hazy

From NBC’s Pete Williams and Ken Strickland
The Obama administration has come out strongly against a provision in a House bill that would block any further detainees from Guantanamo Bay from standing trial in the United States.

The omnibus spending bill, which is backed by House Democrats, includes a provision to cut off funding for the transfer of any Gitmo detainees to U.S. soil.

"We strongly oppose this provision,” said DOJ spokesman Matt Miller. “Congress should not limit the tools available to the executive branch in bringing terrorists to justice and advancing our national security interests.”

Current law allows the Justice Department to bring detainees to the U.S. for trial as long as DOJ gives Congress 45 days notice before the transfer.

The spending bill will be addressed on the House floor tonight and is expected to pass, but it would face another major hurdle before final approval. While Senate Democrats support passage of a catchall spending bill, Senate Republicans oppose that plan, preferring to pass a short-term “continuing resolution” that would punt the issue of funding the government until next year.

Msnbc.com's Carrie Dann contributed.

Discuss this post

All the Gitmo detainees need to do is watch MSNBC on the weekend and see 'Lockup'! That would scare the bejeezus out of them.....and if found guilty, send 'em to Texas prisons!

Book 'em Hairspray Perry......Fry 'em! Done!

  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Wed Dec 8, 2010 4:42 PM EST

Booo. While I hate to punt, I'd rather see the DOJ given the option to properly try accused terrorists.

    Reply#2 - Wed Dec 8, 2010 4:45 PM EST

    Absolutely. Follow the rule of law.

    • 1 vote
    #2.1 - Wed Dec 8, 2010 4:53 PM EST
    Reply

    I suppose House Democrats will now turn around and whine and cry that the Obama Administration "caved" on this issue too!

      Reply#3 - Wed Dec 8, 2010 4:52 PM EST

      Off Message---FR Crew, how can I erase the number under the 'New comments' section without unleashing all the comments I haven't read?

        Reply#4 - Wed Dec 8, 2010 4:58 PM EST
        happyliveDeleted

        All he has to say is close the "DUMP" transfer everyone end of story.... he does have the power of his office

          Reply#6 - Thu Dec 9, 2010 9:08 AM EST
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