WASHINGTON, May 19 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama plans to announce some details on closing the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the White House said Tuesday.
Democrats pulled $80 million from a funding bill that would have gone to closing costs at the detention center at the U.S. Naval base, saying the money could wait until there is an administration plan.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters, "We agree with Congress that before resources (are provided) that they should receive a more detailed plan." The president "has plans to outline issues relating to detainees and detention policy at a speech in Washington on Thursday," he added.
Gibbs also suggested Obama will address the issues of torture photos, torture memos and other matters Thursday.
Obama has issued an executive order saying he wants the center closed by January.
Gibbs said Obama will work with Congress on a time line for funding to close the detention facility, believed to hold about 200 terror suspects now, but the actual closing will still be determined by the executive order.
Gibbs rejected any suggestion that the withdrawal of funds was a vote of "no confidence" in the president.
