Skelton Gets Detainee Measure Through Committee

The House Armed Services Committee has passed an amendment to restrict President Obama's jurisdiction over the transfer of detainees.

The amendment, offered by Rep. Ike Skelton, states that no detainee can be transferred without the president presenting a plan dealing with possible dangers the detainees pose and requires the president to consult with governors or the chief executives of territories on proposed transfers.

The overall House bill puts restrictions and reporting requirements on the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States and elsewhere.

The AP reports: "The vote kicked off an ambitious effort by House Democrats to pass all 12 spending bills before Congress leaves for its August recess and avoid the budgetary standoffs that have become common in recent years."