Iowa GOP calls for Dems to oppose terrorist transfer to Midwest

Iowa Republicans are calling on Democratic congressmen, 1

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District Rep. Bruce Braley, in particular, to oppose housing Guantanamo terrorist detainees in northwest Illinois near the Iowa border.

Fourth District Rep. Tom Latham, an Ames Republican, plans to introduce the “Keep Terrorists Out of the Midwest Act,” Thursday to block the transfer of the terrorist-detainees to Iowa and other Midwestern states.

 Latham's “Keep Terrorists out of the Midwest Act” was prompted by news that the Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Ill., has emerged as a leading option for prosecution and incarceration. Because of the numerous potential sites deemed suitable by the White House for the transfer of terrorist-detainees throughout the Midwest, Latham authored the legislation to block the housing and prosecution of detainees in any of the states. The eleven states specifically mentioned in the legislation are Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska and Kansas.

“I have heard from so many Iowans over the past few days who are rightfully concerned about the proposed relocation of Guantanamo Bay terrorist-detainees to our backyard,” Congressman Latham said. “They're asking how bringing dangerous terrorists to U.S. soil will make our country safer. Iowa families deserve to have their voices heard in this important debate. Most importantly, 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, 2001, will not be housed or tried just minutes from the neighborhoods where they live and work.”

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn called on Braley, a Waterloo Democrat, to reverse his position and support Latham's measure.

“When faced with the prospect of terrorist detainees mere minutes from our border, Latham and (5

Fifth District Rep. Steve King, a Kiron Republican, has joined Strawn in calling on U.S. Rep. Braley to break with President Obama and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi on this matter (

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District Rep. Steve) King jumped into action,” said Strawn. He called for Braley, 2

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and 3

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District Reps. Dave Loebsack and Leonard Boswell, respectively, to tell Iowans whether “they still stand by their October votes to house terrorists on American soil or will they stand up to President Obama and tell him that these terrorists aren't welcome in the Heartland? Iowans deserve an answer.”

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