The US Senate has voted to continue to allow Guantanamo inmates to be tried on US soil, removing a hurdle as the Obama administration seeks to close the camp.The measure, which was passed by the House last week, permits Guantanamo detainees to be brought to the US only in order to face trial in US courts. Those cleared cannot remain in the US. The bill - passed 79-19 by the Senate - largely mirrors existing restrictions.
It will now go to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.
Mr Obama has set a 22 January 2010 deadline for closing the Guantanamo Bay camp in Cuba, where more than 220 inmates are still held. While some will be tried on US soil, others could be sent to abroad or face military tribunals.
The legislation passed by Congress removes one of the many legal, diplomatic and political hurdles in the path of the administration as it seeks to close the camp.
Under its terms, Congress must be provided with a detailed assessment of the security risk involved before a detainee can be brought to the US. The administration must also give notice of any transfer. Those cleared cannot be released onto US soil.
Some Republicans have objected to plans to hold Guantanamo detainees in US prisons, arguing that they do not deserve the protections afforded under US law.
| Do the Democrats not understand that the Constitution protects our citizens? As the hoary quote says, the Constitution is not a suicide pact. |