Story Created:
Nov 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM CDT
THOMSON, Ill. - An Iowa Congressman is speaking out about a proposal that could bring Guantanamo Bay detainees to a prison just over the state line.
The White House wants to house some of the Guantanamo Bay detainees at the super-max prison, just over the state line, at an empty prison complex located in Thomson, Illinois.
Critics worry housing the detainees there would make the state a terrorist target.
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin insists it is safe and says it presents a chance to create up to 3,000 jobs for the local economy.
"At a time when Illinois is facing a recession with literally, thousands, and thousands of our residents desperate for jobs, this is a lifeline, this is an opportunity for us," said Sen. Dick Durbin, (D) Illinois.
On Wednesday, Iowa Congressman Tom Latham announced he will introduce legislation this week that will block the transfer of the dangerous Guantanamo Bay terrorists from coming to Iowa and other Midwestern states.
In a statement released Wednesday Latham says, "Iowa families deserve the guarantee of the federal government that some of the world's most dangerous terrorists, many of whom helped plan the terrorist attacks of September 11, will not be housed or tried just minutes from the neighborhoods where they live and work."
Latham intends to formally introduce the legislation, titled "Keep Terrorists Out of the Midwest Act," on Thursday.
More info from www.tomlatham.house.gov,
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