They have disregarded the dangerous implications of this critical national security measure at the expense of the safety of families in their districts and across this nation.
By casting these votes, Driehaus and Space are not only paving the way for dangerous terrorists to be allowed into America’s backyards, but they have also shown us that their true allegiance lies with Nancy Pelosi and her dangerous political agenda.
The Associated Press describes the situation this way:
“…the chamber also rejected an amendment by Rep. Jerry Lewis, a Republican, that strengthened the prohibition by stopping in its tracks funding for any government activity related to closing the facility. The amendment first went down on a 216-212 vote. After Republicans demanded a recount, it was defeated again, 213-212.” (Jim Abrams, Associated Press, “House Rejects Measure on Guantanamo Closing, June 18, 2009)
If Steve Driehaus and Zack Space are interested in keeping Americans safe, they should start by standing up to their party leaders in Washington and siding with the families in their districts who oppose closing Gitmo.
“By more than 2-1, those surveyed say Guantanamo shouldn't be closed. By more than 3-1, they oppose moving some of the accused terrorists housed there to prisons in their own states….
“In the survey, Americans were inclined to accept the argument…that the detention center had made the United States safer. By 40%-18%, they said the prison had strengthened national security rather than weakened it….
“A 54% majority of those polled say the prison shouldn't be closed, and that they'll be upset if the administration moves forward to close it.
“Last month, Senate Democrats stripped $80 million to close Gitmo from a spending bill and blocked transfer of detainees to U.S. soil, at least for now.” (Susan Page, “Poll: Most Oppose Closing Gitmo,” USA Today, June 1, 2009)
UPDATE: You can add Ohio's own Marcy Kaptur (D), Tim Ryan (D), Betty Sutton (D), Charlie Wilson (D), and Dennis Kucinich (D) to the list of those who want to bring terrorists in to our back yards.
Votes yet to be tracked down: Austria (R), Boccieri (D), Fudge (D), and Kilroy(D).
