But the proposal ducks the question of where the facility would be located and whether President Barack Obama could complete the unlikely closure before he leaves office.
The plan, which was delivered to Congress, makes a financial argument for closing the controversial detention center. US officials say it calls for up to USD 475 million in construction costs that would ultimately be offset by as much as USD 180 million per year in operating cost savings.
Republican Mac Thornberry, chairman of House Armed Services Committee, has said his panel would hold a hearing on a closure plan. But he sent a letter to Obama warning that Congress has made clear what details must be included in any plan and that anything less than that would be unacceptable. Obama, meanwhile, planned to make a midmorning statement on Guantanamo at the White House.
According to the officials, the US facilities would cost between USD 265 million and USD 305 million to operate each year. The annual operating cost for Guantanamo is USD 445 million, but the officials said the Cuba detention centre will need about USD 225 million in repairs and construction costs if it continues to be used.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app