Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB143

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

This bill prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from using funds to transfer or release within the United States (including its territories or possessions) any detainee (1) who is not a U.S. citizen or member of the U.S. Armed Forces; and (2) who is or was held by DOD at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on or after January 20, 2009.

Impact

The implications of HB 143 extend into the realm of national security and the U.S. military's handling of terrorism-related cases. By preventing transfers to the U.S., the bill aims to address concerns about the potential risks associated with bringing detainees to American soil. Supporters argue that it maintains security and consistency in detainee management, while detractors may view it as an extension of indefinite detention practices without due process for individuals who could be rehabilitated or released under certain conditions.

Summary

House Bill 143 seeks to prohibit the transfer or release of individuals detained at the United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States. The bill specifically targets any detainee who is not a U.S. citizen or a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and who has been held by the Department of Defense at Guantanamo Bay on or after January 20, 2009. This legislation directly limits the use of federal funds for such transfers, thereby reinforcing the current practice of retaining detainees at Guantanamo Bay.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates surrounding human rights and the legal and moral implications of detaining individuals indefinitely without trial. Critics of the bill may highlight concerns about due process and the United States’ legal obligations under international law. Additionally, the bill raises questions regarding how it aligns with broader national and international efforts toward transparency and justice in dealing with terrorism suspects. The political landscape surrounding this bill reflects ongoing discussions about the balance between security interests and civil liberties.

Companion Bills

US HB2882

Related bill Udall Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2023

US HB4365

Related bill Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024

US SB2587

Related bill Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024

US HR1102

Related bill Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2024 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Previously Filed As

US HB296

Justice for 9/11 ActThis bill provides that any plea agreement entered into by Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, or Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi for actions involving the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and its related judgment must not preclude the trial of such individuals under other provisions of law for that attack. In any trial of such individuals, the death penalty must be available.In the case of any sentence imposed on Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, or Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, the individual must (1) be held at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in solitary confinement; (2) not be provided contact with foreign nationals; (3) not be provided with psychological treatment except that specifically authorized by medical authorities at Guantanamo Bay; and (4) not be transferred to the continental United States or any other country.

US SB34

Justice for 9/11 ActThis bill provides that any plea agreement entered into by Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, or Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi for actions involving the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and its related judgment must not preclude the trial of such individuals under other provisions of law for that attack. In any trial of such individuals, the death penalty must be available.In the case of any sentence imposed on Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin ‘Attash, or Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, the individual must (1) be held at U.S. Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in solitary confinement; (2) not be provided contact with foreign nationals; (3) not be provided with psychological treatment except that specifically authorized by medical authorities at Guantanamo Bay; and (4) not be transferred to the continental United States or any other country.

US HB136

Help Ensure Legal Detainers Act or the HELD Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds by a state or local subdivision that has in effect a law, policy, or procedure that prevents or impedes a timely response to a request by the Department of Homeland Security for information about an alien in custody, including the alien's estimated release date; or compliance with a detainer request.

US HR578

Calling for the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez, a United States citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, who was wrongfully detained by the Venezuelan regime in March 2022.

US SR320

A resolution calling for the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez, a United States citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, who was wrongfully detained by the Venezuelan regime in March 2022.

US HR579

Condemning the ongoing acts of repression and human rights violations against the Cuban people by the Cuban regime, and calling for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Cuban citizens.

US HB434

Service Restoration Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to require a member of the Armed Forces, or a cadet or midshipman at a military service academy, to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, no such individuals may be subject to adverse action solely on the basis of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. At the request of an individual who was involuntarily separated from an Armed Force solely because of a refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the military department concerned must reinstate the individual as a member of the Armed Force in the same rank and grade the individual held at the time of separation, expunge from the individual's military service record any reference to adverse action related to the refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and include the period between the involuntary separation and reinstatement in the computation of retired or retainer pay of the individual. The bill requires that the discharge of members due to the failure to obey a lawful order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination must be categorized as an honorable discharge, including for individuals who were discharged prior to the enactment of this bill.

US HB173

Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act of 2023 This bill removes short-barreled rifles (barrels of less than 16 inches in length) from the definition of firearms for purposes of the National Firearms Act. It also eliminates the prohibition on the transportation of such rifles in interstate commerce and treats persons who acquire or possess a short-barreled rifle as meeting the registration or licensing requirements for such rifle where such requirements are determined by reference to the National Firearms Act. The bill preempts state or local laws that impose a tax or recordkeeping requirements on short-barreled rifles. The Department of Justice must destroy records relating to the registration of  certain rifles within one year after the enactment of this bill.

US HR377

Calling for the immediate release of Evan Gershkovich, a United States citizen and journalist, who was wrongfully detained by the Government of the Russian Federation in March 2023.

US HB314

Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends Act or the FORCE Act This bill prohibits removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism until the President makes the determination that a transition government in Cuba is in power.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.