Marathon Pundit: Rep. Schilling visits Gitmo--says "No" to terrorists in Illinois

Monday, January 17, 2011

Rep. Schilling visits Gitmo--says "No" to terrorists in Illinois

Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-IL), the Rock Island pizzeria owner turned congressman, visited the Guantanamo Bay terrorist detention facility on Sunday. And now more than ever, he says "No" to Gitmo North.

From a Schilling press release:

Washington, D.C.--Congressman Bobby Schilling took his first trip on official business outside the country yesterday, visiting the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center in Cuba. Schilling, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, traveled to Guantanamo Bay Detention Center on a fact-finding mission to witness the facility's conditions first-hand. Schilling said this trip confirmed his belief that terrorists should not be housed in the United States.

"The prisoners at Guantanamo Bay Detention Center are some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world," Schilling said. "These men have committed unthinkable atrocities against the United States and its allies. It is absolutely critical that we never allow these terrorists to set foot on American soil."

Schilling has been an outspoken opponent of using the Federal Prison in Thomson, IL to house al Qa'ida terrorists transferred from Guantanamo.

"Like most people in Illinois, I was opposed to housing terrorists in the Thomson prison. Now that I have seen firsthand who is being held, I am more determined than ever to ensure they remain in GITMO. This is a matter of national security and public safety. Transferring them to Illinois will put our families at risk."

Schilling said that he was impressed with the way the prisoners are treated.

"We've heard a lot of negative things about Guantanamo Bay Prison, and I don't really find them justified," Schilling said. "We have provided them a hospitable living environment, food that suits their customs, and the freedom to worship as they please."

Schilling said he hopes that some of the more prominent Guantanamo Bay detractors get the opportunity to visit the facility and perhaps change their mind.

"It's a secure facility that does the job it's supposed to do. The prisoners are treated fairly. I just don't believe there's a better option on the table. It makes no sense to bring terrorists to the United States -- that's just not good policy."