RELEASE: Fitzpatrick Statement on Largest GITMO Detainee Transfer Ever

“As a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent tasked with combating terrorism and keeping Americans safe, it’s unbelievable that, at a time when threats to our homeland are at an all-time high, this administration continues to make foreign policy decisions based on keeping campaign promises, not keeping us secure. This week’s transfer of 15 Guantanamo Bay terrorists back to the Middle East shows a fundamental lack of seriousness about combating the terror threat we face and the continued politicization of our national security agenda.

 

We already know how this plays out: Earlier this year, the Pentagon reported to Congress that at least a dozen former Guantanamo inmates were responsible for the deaths of Americans overseas – including a female American aid worker in Afghanistan. In all, intelligence reports show that nearly 30-percent of those released from Guantanamo Bay are either confirmed or suspected of reengaging with terrorism.

 

A majority of Americans agree that releasing or transferring known terrorists is a bad move, yet Steve Santarsiero – who has no foreign policy experience and seems stuck inside the partisan bubble of Harrisburg – can’t stand up against dangerous decisions like giving up custody of Osama bin Laden’s personal bodyguards. When I’m elected to Congress, I’ll support a foreign policy rooted in my professional experience of keeping Americans safe– not one providing cover to those who share my party registration.”