In Case You Missed It: Roberts, Scott, Gardner Warn President to Drop Guantanamo Executive Order Threat

Washington – Media outlets across the country are talking about U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) calling on President Obama to drop his threat to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facilities by Executive Order.

Showing bipartisan Congressional support for keeping the Guantanamo facilities open, yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation barring the transfer of detainees to domestic soil by a veto-proof margin of 370-54.

Associated Press:“This administration has continually gone around the Congress and tried to figure out which button to push to irritate Congress the most,” said Roberts, whose state includes Fort Leavenworth. “Well he sure as hell has pushed my button…

“To consider a domestic location is, in my opinion, the worst decision for America’s national security,” said Scott, whose state is home to the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston, another prospective site for detainees…

“It’s hard for me to believe that you can send a team of experts to analyze where you’re going to send detainees to fulfill a campaign promise if you haven’t spent any money,” Gardner said.” –“House passes defense bill that still hampers closing Gitmo“

Roll Call: “Opponents of moving Guantánamo detainees to the U.S. mainland are firing a new round of warning shots ahead of an Obama administration plan regarding closing the facility. –“Republicans Warn White House on Gitmo Closure“

Reuters:“That suggestion angered some Republicans in Congress, many of whom consider Guantanamo an essential tool in efforts to combat terrorism. “Why do we even have a Congress if the president can issue an executive order on anything?” Republican Senator Pat Roberts fumed at a news conference.

U.S. officials have considered transferring Guantanamo detainees to a facility in Kansas, Roberts’ home state. Republican senators Tim Scott of South Carolina and Cory Gardner of Colorado, states that are also potential targets for transfers, also strongly opposed the plan.” –Revised U.S. defense bill sails through House, despite Guantanamo

Kansas Coverage:

KSNT Topeka– “Roberts, Brownback condemn idea of executive order to close Guantanamo”

WIBW Wichita– “Sen. Roberts says President Obama has pushed his button when it comes to Gitmo

KMUW (AP)– “Kansas Senator Puts Hold on Obama Nominee Over Guantanamo”

Topeka Capital Journal– “Sen. Pat Roberts blocks Obama appointee over Guantananmo Closure”

South Carolina Coverage:

Greenville News,The State: “Sen. Tim Scott opposes plan to close Guantanamo Bay prison”

WIS-TV, Columbia, SC

Greer Today– “Sen. Scott: Obama’s latest ‘Gitmo announcement ‘is overcooking my grits'”