[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REP. MORAN GUANTANAMO AMENDMENT TO HOMELAND SECURITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2013

       The House in Committee of the Whole Hours on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2217) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for 
     the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, and for other 
     purposes:

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Chair, yesterday I inadvertently voted 
NO on the Moran amendment (roll call 200) to H.R. 2217. I support the 
Moran amendment that would strike section (2) and insert ``was 
transferred to the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 
by the Department of Defense, after December 31, 2005.'' I am a strong 
supporter of President Obama's commitment to close the prison camp at 
Guantanamo and halt all pending military commission trials. The 
infamous Guantanamo prison facility has made a mockery of America's 
commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the rejection of 
torture as an acceptable interrogation technique. I will continue to 
work with my colleagues to repeal unnecessary restrictions on detainees 
and remove congressionally mandated bans which have made the facility 
harder to close. Closing Guantanamo would send an important message 
around the world that the days of detaining persons indefinitely 
without charge or due process are over. I look forward to the day when 
we can finally shut the doors on this prison. I support the Moran 
amendment (roll call 200) and stand ready to support efforts to close 
Guantanamo.

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