Tom Rooney: Obama Order on Guantanamo Bay Trials Doesn't Go Far Enough

Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney applauded President Barack Obama changing course on holding military commissions trying suspected terrorists, but insisted on Monday that the White House did not go far enough in its new decision.

While Im pleased that the president has reversed his previous position and will allow military commissions to resume at Guantanamo Bay, Im deeply concerned that his executive order will leave the door open for the administration to hold civilian trials for terrorists like Khalid Sheik Mohammed, Rooney said.

Giving foreign terrorists the same rights as American citizens is unacceptable, Rooney added.Terrorists like Khalid Sheik Mohammed should be tried by military commission at Guantanamo Bay, and they must never step foot on American soil. Unfortunately, the presidents executive order would leave open that possibility.

Military commissions are fair and provide due process for the accused, but they also protect critical intelligence officials and evidence, Rooney concluded.As a former military prosecutor, I strongly believe that trying detainees in military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay is the best way to hold terrorists accountable, keep them out of the United States, and prevent them from rejoining the fight.