Family Life

08.10.09 | FL News Team

Two key lawmakers and an Obama administration official are sparring over the President's plans to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. National Security Adviser Jim Jones told "Fox News Sunday" there's "every intention" of shuttering the prison for terror suspects by Obama's January deadline. Jones noted there's considerable work going on toward that objective. Also appearing on "Fox News Sunday," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said the prison should not be shut down at all. The Kentucky Republican predicted bipartisan opposition to closing the Guantanamo facility. McConnell described the prison that has been sharply criticized by some human rights groups as, quote, "a program that is not broke and doesn't need fixing."

However, the Democratic chairman of the Senate's armed services committee said he agrees with Obama's directive to close the prison. Michigan's Carl Levin told CBS' "Face The Nation" that key military leaders including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff agree with shuttering Guantanamo. Levin stated he's been assured by the White House that the plan to close the prison is on track for the January deadline.