Obama Disputes Limits on Detainee Transfers Imposed in Defense Bill

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The New York Times:

Obama Disputes Limits on Detainee Transfers Imposed in Defense Bill

 

 

By CHARLIE SAVAGE

 

 

Published: January 3, 2013

 

 

WASHINGTON — President Obama set aside his veto threat and late Wednesday signed a defense bill that imposes restrictions on transferring detainees out of military prisons in Afghanistan and Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. But he attached a signing statement claiming that he has the constitutional power to override the limits in the law.

 

 

The move awakened a dormant issue from Mr. Obama’s first term: his broken promise to close the Guantánamo prison. Lawmakersintervened by imposing statutory restrictions on transfers of prisoners to other countries or into the United States, either for continued detention or for prosecution.