Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, said he will introduce legislation today to block the transfer of dangerous Guantanamo Bay terrorist-detainees Thompson and other areas in the Midwest. He has dubbed the legislation, the "Keep Terrorists Out of the Midwest Act."

"I have heard from so many Iowans over the past few days who are rightfully concerned about the proposed relocation of Guantanamo Bay terrorist-detainees to our backyard," Latham said in a news release posted on his Web site. "They're asking how bringing dangerous terrorists to U.S. soil will make our country safer. Iowa families deserve to have their voices heard in this important debate. Most importantly, Iowa families deserve the guarantee of the federal government that some of the world's most dangerous terrorists, many of whom helped plan the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, will not be housed or tried just minutes from the neighborhoods where they live and work."

Latham has sent a personal letter to each of his colleagues in the 11 states affected by the legislation to invite them to join him in taking the lead on protecting their constituents as original co-sponsors of the legislation.