David Jolly Fights to Keep Guantanamo Bay Naval Base Open

On Wednesday night, the U.S. House backed U.S. Rep David Jollys, R-Fla., amendment ensuring federal funds are not used to close the naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Jolly took to the floor to explain why the base should remain open.

This amendment is about protecting our national security, Jolly said. The U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay is a strategically placed military base that is vital to the regional security in the Caribbean and a key component of our broader U.S. defense policy. The Naval Station plays an important role in fighting drug trafficking, providing humanitarian assistance during crises, and supporting other operations important to the U.S and neighboring countries.

This amendment is wholly separate from the debate concerning the detention facility at the Naval Station and the status of detainees, Jolly added. This is about preserving a Department of Defense asset critical to our national security an asset described by our military commanders as essential, indispensable, and of immense strategic value.