Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz issued the following statement today in response to President Obama’s executive orders to strengthen counterterrorism efforts by outlining a process for closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and revising detention and interrogation policies.

“President Obama’s action today demonstrates his intention to once again make the United States an international leader that is respected for protecting and defending human rights. I applaud this action and the Administration's commitment to initiate policies necessary to bolster our intelligence capacity, charge and prosecute those who threaten our security, and defend our nation from terrorist attacks."

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