Republican Senators discuss Guantanamo Bay Trip VIDEO

Republican Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), John Barasso (R-WY), and Mike Johanns (R-NE) held a news conference to discuss their recent trip to the detainee facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Washington, DC : 17 min.

Brownback Comments from Detainee Facility at Guantanamo Bay

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today returned from leading a Congressional delegation to visit the detainee facility at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

"Guantanamo Bay is a world-class detention facility that would be almost impossible to replicate elsewhere," said Brownback. "Rumors of Guantanamo Bay being a black hole are unfounded. I am struck by the contrast between Guantanamo Bay and prisons I have toured in the past. The nature of the detainee population and the threat that these individuals pose affects every detail of the Guantanamo operation from the layout and design of the facilities to the level of legal, medical and other services provided to detainees."

Brownback toured several detention camps, including the camp that holds individuals who plotted the September 11, 2001, attacks. He also visited the Expeditionary Legal Complex, where military commissions are held, and toured the detainee medical facility.

Brownback continued, "Guantanamo's facilities are much different from the military prison at Fort Leavenworth's Disciplinary Barracks. Fort Leavenworth was designed for regular prisoners, not detainees. We cannot force-fit detainees in Leavenworth or in other prisons in the U.S. I look forward to a vigorous discussion of these issues on the Senate floor next week."

Brownback has repeatedly stated that Fort Leavenworth is not an appropriate location to house enemy combatants. He has noted that Fort Leavenworth's primary mission is military education and that moving detainees to the post will alienate the visiting military officers from Islamic nations who participate in vital international military education programs. In addition, he has expressed that Fort Leavenworth is not a suitable location for enemy combatants because the Disciplinary Barracks are primarily a medium security facility housing military prisoners; the proximity of the base to a community airport, farms, and the surrounding City of Leavenworth; and the lack of medical facilities on site, which would require transporting combatants through town to be treated in community hospitals.

"I commend the men and women in uniform who are responsible for the Guantanamo detainee mission," said Brownback. "They are playing a key role in the war on terror with professionalism and determination." -30-

President Obama Governor Huntsman Ambassador to China VIDEO

President Obama announces Governor Huntsman (R-UT) as his nominee for U.S. Ambassador to China. Washington, DC

Governor Huntsman Tapped as US Ambassador to China Salt Lake City - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman issued the following statement today:

"When I had the honor of asking Utahns for their vote as Governor of the greatest state in America, I did so as a public servant. We set out, as a family, willing and able to do our very best. That dedication to service and to the success of our state and country has influenced our every step.

"It is in the spirit of placing country before self or politics that I have accepted the request and nomination by President Obama, and with the consent of the United States Senate, to serve as United States Ambassador to China.

"Mary Kaye and I are equally humbled and conflicted by this decision, understanding that the U.S. - China relationship is among our nation's most critical. We are honored by the President's confidence and trust in our ability to contribute meaningfully, yet conflicted by leaving a state, people and job we love deeply. But when the President asks you to step up to serve your nation in such a capacity and at such an important time in world history, it is the end of the conversation and the beginning of an obligation.

"We have accomplished much with an excellent staff, cabinet and a dedicated legislature. I am proud of our work together which has resulted in Utah being recognized as the best managed state in the nation - with an economy second to none. Our journey has covered everything from comprehensive tax reform, the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR), and improving our state's competitiveness to bolstering education and increasing teacher salaries, advancing healthcare reform and retooling our energy needs based upon a more sustainable future. Utah is positioned like few other states nationally to endure the challenging times, but indeed to exceed our expectations going forward.

Lt. Governor Gary Herbert has been an effective and loyal supporter of this Administration's goals. I thank him for his service and have great confidence in his ability to govern the State.

"Serving as Utah's 16th Governor truly has been our family's greatest honor. Mary Kaye and I thank all Utahns for their friendship, support and trust, and ask for continued confidence as we begin this new chapter."

A specific timeline of the transition between Governor Huntsman and Lt. Governor Herbert will be announced on Monday.