Backlash against Harris’ VP pick for past support of bringing terrorists to US prisons.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was recently chosen by Vice President Kamala Harris to be her running mate on the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket. However, Walz’s past voting record on the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison facility has come under scrutiny.
In 2009, Walz voted against a measure that aimed to prevent the federal government from transferring inmates from the Guantanamo Bay facility to the United States. This measure was part of then-President Barack Obama’s efforts to close the terrorist prison. Walz argued that alleged terrorists could be transferred to facilities within the U.S., rather than keeping them detained at Guantanamo Bay.
Republicans at the time raised concerns that bringing suspects to the U.S. for trial would pose a security risk and provide them with American legal protections. The vote was attached to a Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill.
The Washington Free Beacon recently brought to light Walz’s remarks from the same year, where he dismissed objections regarding the risk posed by transferring Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. He suggested that they could receive care at the Federal Medical Center in Rochester.
Rep. Pat Fallon, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Air Force veteran, criticized Walz for advocating the closure of Guantanamo Bay, arguing that it jeopardized Americans’ safety and national security.
There has been backlash against Walz for his past stance on closing Guantanamo Bay and relocating dangerous terrorists to the United States. Sam Rogers, an Army veteran and government affairs director at the Foundation for Government Accountability, accused Walz of repeatedly lying about avoiding war in Iraq and supporting the transfer of detainees.
Despite the criticism, Walz maintained his position on closing the facility, emphasizing the importance of clarity on legal procedures for detainees and expressing confidence in U.S. professionals to handle the situation.
Guantanamo Bay returned to the spotlight recently after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revoked a plea deal that Pentagon prosecutors had agreed to with three terrorists involved in the September 11 terror attacks. These individuals are awaiting trial at the facility, where approximately 30 detainees are currently held.
Walz’s selection as Harris’ running mate has drawn attention to his legislative history, especially during his time as a House lawmaker and subsequent tenure as governor of Minnesota. Critics and analysts have scrutinized his positions on various issues, ranging from immigration to military service.
Despite the controversy surrounding his Guantanamo Bay vote, Harris expressed confidence in Walz’s ability to deliver for working families and build a strong partnership in their bid for the presidency. Together, they aim to overcome the odds and emerge victorious in the election.
