Today, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) voted to halt detainee transfers from Guantanamo Bay until enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“With the 15 year anniversary of 9/11 just a few days ago, the pertinence of this bill is especially important as Congress needs to continue to protect our national security by blocking these Guantanamo Bay transfers,” Luetkemeyer said. “Approximately 30 percent of individuals released from Guantanamo Bay are suspected of, or confirmed to have re-engaged in terrorist activity. Providing for the common defense is one of the federal government’s constitutional responsibilities and I will continue to support legislation, like this, that is in our country’s best interest.”

In May, Luetkemeyer supported passage of the NDAA which authorizes critical funding for core defense requirements such as personnel, training, and maintenance that will ensure our service men and women have the necessary support to fulfill missions. Included in this legislation is a longstanding prohibition on transferring Guantanamo Bay detainees in the United States.