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Stefanik bill to make KSM, other Gitmo inmates last in line for COVID vaccine

By
Steven Nelson
Published Feb. 1, 2021
Updated Feb. 8, 2021, 10:48 a.m. ET
Rep. Elise Stefanik is proposing a bill that would make Guantanamo Bay inmates last to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Rep. Elise Stefanik is proposing a bill that would make Guantanamo Bay inmates last to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.AP

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is proposing new legislation recommending that Guantanamo Bay inmates be last in line for coveted COVID-19 vaccine doses.

The Pentagon on Saturday hastily paused plans to vaccinate the 40 alleged terrorists at Guantanamo after The Post reported that the military was offering the shots to jihadists including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammad before ordinary citizens.

“Every American should have access to vaccines before these heinous terrorists,” Stefanik said on Monday in a statement announcing her bill.

The resolution is not binding, but would express the House’s opposition to “any plans by the Department of Defense to deliver COVID–19 vaccines to prisoners held at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay… until all Americans have had the opportunity to be vaccinated.”

New York Republican Reps. Lee Zeldin of Long Island and Nicole Malliotakis, who represents Staten Island and part of Brooklyn, are co-sponsors.

A tower at Guantanamo Bay prison.
A tower at Guantanamo Bay prison. Getty Images

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) also is an original co-sponsor.

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), who helped coordinate the resolution with Stefanik, said in a release that “[i]t is appalling that under the Biden Administration, terrorists held in GITMO were going to cut the line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of American citizens. Meanwhile, thousands of Iowans, including frontline workers, first responders, teachers, and seniors are still waiting to receive the vaccine.”

Stefanik said, “It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is prioritizing vaccines for terrorist detainees over American citizens, including veterans, first responders, 9/11 first responders, and seniors.”

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Saturday the planned vaccination drive was being reconsidered.

A healthcare worker prepares a syringe with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
A healthcare worker prepares a syringe with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. REUTERS

“No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe,” Kirby said.