WASHINGTON, W.Va. — Following a fact-finding mission to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Friday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) is calling for a congressional debate concerning the prison’s future.
Manchin said the detention center does not make the U.S. safer and is “wildly expensive.”
“I believe that Congress must debate what we do with the prisoners currently being housed there. The status quo is not an acceptable solution, and I am confident we can find a solution that protects Americans and responsibly manages our tax dollars. I look forward to this debate,” Manchin said.
However, Manchin said the American troops serving at the prison, which detains prisoners who planned to do harm to America, are serving with excellence and distinction.
“I witnessed the profound dedication to duty and professionalism of our troops serving there, including members of the West Virginia Army National Guard,” Manchin said.
Sen. Manchin was joined on the trip by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN).