Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the holding of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: 

“The detainees at Guantanamo Bay should not be released or moved to another facility.  Many of the vicious criminals held there have been caught on the battlefield fighting against American troops and shutting down Guantanamo Bay would just require the military to move them elsewhere.  In fact, about two-hundred of these detainees have been released and it’s been proven that twelve have already returned to the fight.” 

“It is clear that terrorists, whether using a plane to kill innocent Americans or exploding car bombs in the Middle East, do not fight fairly.  They fight cowardly and do not show their face.  However, the Department of Defense treats these detainees in accord with the Geneva Convention, even though that is not required because of the inhumane methods used by these killers.  We spend millions of dollars per year supplying more than adequate meals and a Koran to every detainee along with a prayer rug that meets their religious standards.” 

“One of the detainees, whose last name is Khatani, is believed to have been one of the intended hijackers in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.  He attempted to enter the United States through Orlando with no return flight and more than $2,400 cash.  It is believed that the lead hijacker, Mohamed Atta, was waiting for him.  The interrogations at Guantanamo Bay on Khatani have led to a ‘treasure-trove’ of information on al-Qaeda and terrorists attacks.”