Republicans Split On Obama's Gitmo Order

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) released the following disapproving statement regarding President Obama’s new executive order to resume military trials for suspected terrorists being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba:

“I am disappointed the White House chose to put another band-aid on this problem, rather than working with Congress to develop the comprehensive and long-term legislative framework we need.”

Meanwhile, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) reacted differently.

“I commend the Obama Administration for issuing this Executive Order. The bottom line is that it affirms the Bush Administration policy that our government has the right to detain dangerous terrorists until the cessation of hostilities. This is clearly another step in the right direction.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement that both endorsed and condemned the president’s decision.

“The President’s commitment today to reinstating the military commission trials at Guantanamo Bay is a step in the right direction…That said, I’m extremely disappointed that the administration still doesn’t get it and continues to ignore the will of Congress and the American people by insisting on giving these foreign terrorists a venue in our federal courts.”