John Boehner 8TH DISCTRICT OF OHIO

House Republicans today introduced the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act.  It shouldn’t have to be said: Bringing individuals who have trained and are committed to destroying our freedoms, liberties, way of life and our nation should not be brought into our country.  But since the White House has not been able to provide us with a plan for where the detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay would go when the facility is closed, we thought it important to state the obvious.

There are some extremely dangerous individuals being held at Guantanamo Bay – certainly not the kind of people who should be brought into a general prison population in our communities.  They are some of the world’s most cold-blooded terrorists who have dedicated their lives to killing us and our allies – and are more than willing to die for their cause. 

The Keep Terrorists Out of America Act would:

Affirm Congress’ Opposition to the Release and Transfer of Terrorists. The bill affirms Congress’ opposition to transferring or releasing terrorists held at the Guantanamo Bay prison into the United States.  Most Americans do not support releasing these terrorists from Guantanamo Bay prison and transferring them into the United States.  The bill gives Congress an opportunity to show that it stands with the American people on this critical matter, and opposes the release and transfer of these terrorists.

Require Governor & State Legislature Pre-Approval. The measure prohibits the Administration from transferring or releasing any terrorist detainees at Guantanamo Bay to any state without express approval from the state’s governor and legislature, and certifies to Congress that strict requirements have been met.  For example, the Administration must certify to the respective governor and state legislature that the detainee does not pose a security risk to the United States.  The certifications must be made 60 days before any transfer or release.

Contain Presidential Certification Requirements.  The measure prohibits the President from transferring or releasing a terrorist detainee into the United States unless he provides the following notification and certification to Congress regarding:

• The name of the detainee and transfer/release location in the United States.
• The release/transfer would not negatively impact continued prosecution of the detainee.
• The release/transfer would not negatively impact continued detention of the detainee.
• The ability of federal judges to release detainees into the United States.