WASHINGTON (May 20, 2009)--The U.S. Senate erected a huge hurdle Wednesday in the path of President Barack Obama's goal of shutting down the Guantanamo prison for terror suspects.

Members voted overwhelmingly to block transfer of any of the 240 inmates to the U.S., and refused to pay the $80 million it would cost the Pentagon and Justice Department to close the facility.

Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says Americans "don't want these men walking the streets" of their neighborhoods and don't want them in a "federal prison in their backyard, either."

The administration wants to shut down Guantanamo to end what it says has become a rallying point for terrorist hatred of the U.S., but congressional allies who agree are in a bind because there's no plan yet on what to do with the inmates.

FBI Director Robert Mueller underscored critics' concerns Wednesday as he told a congressional panel that bringing Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. could pose risks, including the possibility they'd radicalize other inmates and bring about new attacks.

The White House says its plan is still evolving and the president will have more to say on it tomorrow in what's being described as a major address.

Rep. John Carter, R- Round Rock, praised the 90-6 Senate vote.
“Hopefully the Administration has learned an important lesson by these votes,” he said.
“The security of this country cannot be sacrificed for political correctness, or to placate the sensitivities of any other nation,” he said.