[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 128 (Friday, July 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, during consideration of the 
National Defense Authorization Act of fiscal year 2018 on July 13, 
2017, my good friend and colleague Mr. Nadler of New York introduced an 
amendment to strike section 1022 of the bill prohibiting the use of 
funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay 
to the United States. Though I supported the amendment, I erroneously 
casted a NO vote (Roll Call Vote No. 359); I intended to vote AYE.
  I want to make it clear that I support my colleague from New York's 
amendment and any other measure that leads to closing the detention 
centers at Guantanamo Bay. Guantanamo Bay is a stain on American values 
of justice and due process. Since joining Congress, I have signed onto 
many pieces of legislation to close the facility. In a previous defense 
appropriation, I voted for an amendment by Mr. Nadler to prohibit funds 
to be used to renovate and expand the facility at Guantanamo Bay along 
with supporting an amendment to close the detention facility that was 
introduced by Representative Mr. Smith of Washington. Yesterday, I 
voted for another amendment introduced by Mr. Nadler to close the 
facility.
  I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my record and to reassure my 
constituents that I maintain my opposition to the continuing operations 
of the detention centers at Guantanamo Bay.

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