Dems sign on to GOP bill preventing funds for civilian Guantanamo trials

Two Democrats signed on to a Republican bill that would prevent any funds from being spent on prosecuting Guantánamo Bay suspects in U.S. federal court.

Reps. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) and Mike McMahon (D-N.Y.) last week joined Rep. Pete King (R-N.Y.) and 16 other Republicans in sponsoring the legislation, which would deny the Justice Department any funds for trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other suspected terrorists in federal civilian court.

In the weeks since GOP Sen. Scott Brown’s historic election in Massachusetts, King said he believes support in the Democratic Caucus for President Barack Obama’s detainee policies has eroded and predicted the measure would pass if Democratic leaders allow a floor vote on it.

“I have no doubt that if it comes to a vote on the House floor, it will pass,” King said. “You cannot underestimate that impact of the election in Massachusetts, especially when so much of his [Brown’s] messaging dealt with terrorism.

More Here