“The American people needed no further reminder of the Biden Administration’s naïve and negligent approach to counterterrorism. De-listing the Houthis, recklessly withdrawing from Afghanistan, and restraining Israel’s efforts to destroy Iran-back terrorists had made it quite clear already. So had the broken southern border through which hundreds of ISIS-affiliated individuals have reportedly entered the United States illegally. But alongside an eleventh-hour fit of clemency for violent criminals at home, none other than the terrorist masterminds of September 11th are now set to receive undeserved leniency.

 “For four years, the Biden Administration mindlessly prioritized emptying Guantanamo Bay of terrorists. As recently as this week, the Administration has continued to release hardened terrorists into the wild. Last August, Secretary Austin came to his senses, heeded our warning, and withdrew an unconscionable plea deal his subordinates had negotiated with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his confederates. But such a ridiculous sweetheart deal never should have come together, and the fact that the U.S. Court of Military Commissions even had the opportunity to reinstate it is both a disgraceful dereliction of duty and a threat to the chain of command. The buck stops with the Secretary of Defense and Commander in Chief, not unelected self-empowered military jurists.

 “The United States of America must never flinch in holding terrorists accountable for their actions. We call upon President Biden and Secretary Austin to halt any last-minute terrorist releases from Guantanamo Bay, and we expect the Department of Defense to appeal this decision—all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary—to ensure that the 9/11 victims and their families will receive justice.

 “When the new Congress convenes, we will reintroduce the Justice for 9/11 Act and let the American people see who in the Senate is willing to stand up against terrorist mass murderers.”