Moran Statement on President’s Guantanamo Speech

Washington, D.C., May 21st – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s speech today at the National Archives on Guantanamo and U.S. torture policies.

“The President made clear today that protecting the American people is his first priority and closing Guantanamo is an integral part of that effort. He stated that federal supermax prisons, revamped military commissions and our federal courts will play a role in that process.

“President Obama stated that we are a country governed by the rule of law and a beacon for freedom and justice to the rest of the world. In his view, keeping Guantanamo open and holding detainees without charge indefinitely makes us less safe and secure, and has created more terrorists than it ever held. I couldn't agree more.

“Tough decisions are required to undo the short-sighted, ill-conceived choices made over the last eight years. We are fortunate to now have a President that is tough enough, smart enough, and with enough foresight to fight for policies that will restore the sacred principles established in the Constitution by our Founding Fathers. The direction the President is advocating will make us safer and stronger as a nation.”

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