U.S. Senator Tim Scott Statement on Guantanamo Detainee Transfers

Charleston, SC – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement today in regards to reports the Obama Administration will attempt to circumvent Congress, ignore the will of the American people and transfer prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to domestic locations, possibly including the Naval brig in Hanahan, South Carolina. “I have yet to see any plans or studies that show that transferring prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to South Carolina or any other domestic location will make America safer. We are talking about some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world, including planners of September 11th and the attack on the U.S.S. Cole. They should stay right where they are – in cells at the prison on Guantanamo Bay, far away from our schools and families. It is also outrageous that this administration is reportedly preparing to once again circumvent Congress for its own political goals.  The President may be searching for a way to keep a campaign promise, but perhaps he should take a look at the reality of the situation.  Recent polls show only 29 percent of Americans support transferring detainees to domestic locations, and Congress passed a bipartisan law barring the transfer of detainees to the United States.  If the administration attempts to push this idea forward it will meet serious opposition, period.” -30-