The NRSC released a new web video today, “Endangering Colorado,” highlighting Michael Bennet’s opposition to legislation that would have prohibited Guantanamo Bay detainees from being transferred to the United States.
According the Associated Press, two potential United States prison locations to receive Guantanamo Bay detainees after the prison is closed could be Florence and Canon City Colorado.
Despite bipartisan congressional support to prohibit the Guantanamo Bay closing and to stop the transfer of detainees, Michael Bennet stood with President Obama in support of his misguided campaign promise.
WATCH: “Endangering Colorado”
[youtube url = "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBmE4yj0Ow&feature=youtu.be"]
TRANSCRIPT:
VOICEOVER: “Since 2009 Senator Michael Bennet has known Colorado was a top spot to transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees.”
BRET BAIER: “If the Obama Administration does close down the Gitmo facility…”
PRESIDENT OBAMA: “I’m absolutely committed to closing the detention facility at Guantanamo.”
BAIER: “Those terror detainees who remain in custody will have to go somewhere. The Administrative Maximum Prison in Florence, Colorado, otherwise known as Supermax.”
VOICEOVER: “If Bennet knew, why did he vote not once, but twice to strike down amendments that would have prevented these dangerous men from entering the country. Michael Bennet’s lack of action to prevent Gitmo detainees from entering Colorado is unacceptable. Just empty words and inaction that puts Coloradans at risk.”
BACKGROUND:
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In 2013, Michael Bennet Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Prohibited The Transfer Of Detainees From Guantanamo Bay To Facilities In The United States. (S. 1197, CQ Vote #237: Rejected 43-55: R 40-3; D 3-50; I 0-2, 11/19/13, Bennet Voted Nay)
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In 2012, Michael Bennet Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Prohibited The Transfer Of Detainees From Guantanamo Bay To The United States. (S. 3254, CQ Vote #212: Adopted 54-41: R 44-0; D 9-40; I 1-1, 11/29/12, Bennet Voted Nay)
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A Group Of 41 Colorado Sheriffs Wrote The Obama Administration To Opposing Guantanamo Detainees Being Moved To Colorado Saying They Were “Concerned That Utilizing Current Civilian Prisons In Our State Would Significantly – And Unnecessarily – Endanger Our Citizens.” (Jesse Paul, “41 Colorado Sheriffs Write Obama To Block Housing Guantanamo Inmates,” The Denver Post, 11/10/15)
- Obama Administration Officials Are Considering At Least Two Colorado Locations – Prison In Florence And Canon City – As Destinations For Guantanamo Detainees. (The Associated Press, 2/23/16)