Congress

Senate Votes Overwhelmingly to Block Closure of Gitmo

There's a headline we've all read at least once every single year since President Obama was sworn into office.

President Obama vetoed the first iteration of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but the Senate approved a new version today with a solid, veto-proof majority.

The Senate's 91-3 vote gave final legislative approval to the measure. The House overwhelmingly passed it last week, 370-58. [...]

The overwhelming House and Senate votes signal that should he veto the legislation, both chambers would be able to muster the two-thirds majorities needed to override it, an embarrassing blow presidents usually try to avoid. [...]

Congress has repeatedly thwarted Obama's effort to fulfill a 2008 campaign promise and close the military prison.

Indeed, the president signed an order to close the prison immediately after taking office, but Congress has voted every single year to thwart efforts to close the prison.

As was the case during the early years of the Obama administration, various members of Congress continue to press the panic button and fret over the idea of transferring detainees to maximum security prisons inside the United States.

Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says the bill will prevent the president from "moving Guantanamo terrorists into the backyards of the American people," as if the president would unleash them on your wholesome weekend BBQ if he had his way.

There have been reports that the administration will unilaterally close the prison in the near future, but I expect any effort to do so will be challenged in court by Republicans.