White House issues veto threat on Guantanamo bill

WASHINGTON – Senior advisers to President Barack Obama are recommending the president veto a House bill that would temporarily halt the transfer of any more Guantanamo Bay detainees.

The bill from Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., would bar the federal government from spending money on any Guantanamo prisoner transfers. The ban would last until the end of the calendar year, or until a bill authorizing defence funding is signed into law.

A statement from the White House Office of Management and Budget says Guantanamo weakens national security by draining resources and emboldening violent extremists. About 60 prisoners are being held there, down from hundreds. The administration says transfers occur only after a rigorous review.

But supporters of the bill say the transfers could allow some detainees to eventually return to terrorism.