COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Gov. Nikki Haley is going to Washington to voice her concerns over the possible transfer of Guantanamo detainees to sites including South Carolina.
Haley’s office says the governor is among those testifying Thursday before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. The panel discussion is focused on implications for state and local communities if the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prison is closed.
The second-term Republican has been outspoken in her opposition to the transfer of remaining detainees. A Naval brig near Charleston is among possible transfer sites already surveyed by a Defense Department team.
Legislation introduced Monday on Capitol Hill would maintain a ban on transferring prisoners from Guantanamo to the United States. The longstanding congressional prohibition has kept President Barack Obama from fulfilling a campaign pledge to close the facility.
