Lucas Supports Bill Blocking Gitmo Detainees from Oklahoma

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Lucas joined other members of the Oklahoma delegation in support of H.R. 701, which would block the transport of terrorists and enemy combatants to Oklahoma from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba by prohibiting funding for the transfer of detainees to Oklahoma and the construction of new facilities to house detainees.

“Oklahoma will not become this nation’s dumping ground for terrorists and other dangerous individuals,” stated Lucas.  “I will continue to work closely with the other members of the Oklahoma delegation to ensure that no detainees in Guantanamo Bay are moved to Oklahoma soil.”

Last week President Obama issued an executive order that would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay within one year.  The President’s order included no specific plans as to what will be done with the detainees housed there, however Oklahoma’s Fort Sill was mentioned as one of a few a possible transfer locations.

“I am outraged by President Obama’s careless decree to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay with no solid strategy of how to deal with the inmates,” stated Lucas.  “I will not stand idly by while he attempts to make Oklahomans less safe by sending known terrorists to our state.”

H.R. 701 was introduced by Congresswoman Mary Fallin (OK-05).  All members of the Oklahoma delegation joined Fallin as original co-sponsors of the legislation.  The bill will next be referred to committee for markup.

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