[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 161 (Monday, November 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2687-E2688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON FISCAL YEAR 2010 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY 
                     APPROPRIATIONS ACT (H.R. 2892)

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference 
Report on the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Homeland Security 
Appropriations Act. Chairman Obey and Chairman Price deserve 
recognition for their leadership in crafting a fiscally responsible 
bill that provides vital aid for our first responders and also makes 
key investments to improve the security of our borders, ports, and 
aviation and transit systems.
  With this bill, Congress takes important steps to close the 
Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility while also ensuring the security of 
the United States. H.R. 2892 prohibits the transfer of Guantanamo 
detainees to the United States, except for the purpose of criminal 
prosecution. The President must report to Congress any detainee 
transferred to the U.S. or any other country. This bill mandates the 
inclusion of all Guantanamo detainees on the TSA ``No Fly List.''
  Madam Speaker, I also oppose the Republican Motion to Recommit on 
H.R. 2892, which would prevent detainees held at Guantanamo Bay to be 
brought into the United States for prosecution or incarceration. This 
motion is unnecessary due to the safeguards contained in this 
conference report. The Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility is a 
disturbing and unfortunate chapter in our Nation's history. Under the 
leadership of President Obama, the United States will close the 
detention center and restore our commitment to human rights and 
justice.
  I urge a ``no'' vote on the Republican Motion to Recommit and urge my 
colleagues to support final passage.

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