The U.S. Senate Thursday overwhelmingly approved an amendment that rejects moving terror detainees from Cuban-based Guantanamo Bay to American soil.
In a 94-3 vote, senators passed a proposal authored by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell that states detainees, "including senior members of Al Qaeda, should not be released to American society" or moved to "facilities in American communities and neighborhoods."
McConnell strongly backed the move after the vote.
"I can guarantee you that my constituents don't want terrorists housed in their backyards in Ft. Knox, Ft. Wright or anywhere else in the Commonwealth," he said. "I know I don't."
McConnell added: "The Senate has now overwhelmingly expressed its view that it's better for the safety and security of the American people that terrorists at Guantanamo Bay are not moved into American communities. And it says to the American people that the United States Senate does not want these terrorists housed on our soil, in our communities."
The amendment does express a view on whether Gitmo should remain open or closed — or mention moving alleged terrorists elsewhere.
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