WASHINGTON (AP) – Defense Secretary Ash Carter is assuring lawmakers that President Barack Obama doesn’t plan to make an announcement about the future of the U.S.-controlled naval station and detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, when he visits the island next month.
Carter is urging lawmakers to work with the administration to close the center and transfer detainees accused of extremist acts to U.S. soil.
About 35 of the 91 current detainees will be transferred to other countries in the coming months.
Carter – testifying before a House subcommittee – was responding to a question from Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen. The New Jersey Republican says there’s been speculation Obama may use the Cuba visit to make a statement.
Obama’s plan to close the detention center was quickly rejected by Congress this week.