WASHINGTON – Today, Maine’s Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement on President Obama’s plan to shut down the Guantanamo Bay prison:

“President Obama has demonstrated, yet again, that he puts his party’s politics before protecting the American People,” said Congressman Poliquin.  “The transfer of dangerous, radicalized terrorists to American soil threatens the safety of citizens across our country.

“Not only is the President’s plan dangerous and senseless, but it is indisputably illegal.  President Obama himself signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 (NDAA), which specifically restricts any transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay prison.  In his address this morning, the President even acknowledged that his proposal must pass through Congress because he does not have the authority to do this unilaterally.

“Our Nation faces countless threats from enemies around the world every day.  This Administration should be focusing on protecting Americans and strengthening our national security, not fulfilling its political agenda.”