Don’t bring Gitmo prisoners to Georgia, congressman says

Not that Georgia was ever in line to become the next Gitmo, but just in case, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey has introduced legislation he says will keep that from happening.

Gingrey (R-Marietta) got the backing of the rest of Georgia’s Republican House members for his “No GITMO in Georgia Act” that he says will ensure current detainees at the Guantanamo Bay detention center are not relocated to the Peach State when the Cuban facility closes.

What will happen to the 240 Guantanamo Bay detainees, who are accused of terrorism against the United States, has been a question ever since President Obama announced he will close the notorious prison as soon as possible.

Federal prisons in Kansas, Colorado and Pennsylvania have been mentioned as likely places where detainees could be transferred.

Gingrey spokesman Chris Jackson acknowledged that Georgia hasn’t been suggested as a contender.

But, he added, Gingrey wanted to make sure the state was out of the running — and to make a statement that President Obama should ensure there’s a plan in place for detainees long before the prison closes.