(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama thanked Congress for easing restrictions on detainee transfer from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the custody of other countries. He said on Thursday that lawmakers need to push ahead the closure of the controversial prison.

The Guantanamo detention facility at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba. (Photo: Associated Press)

After signing the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2014, the President told reporters that Congress retained regulations that prevent the transfer of prisoners to America, where they could be tried in federal court.

Obama said the executive sector must have the authority to determine when and where to prosecute Guantanamo detainees. He affirmed that the U.S. federal court is a legitimate, effective, and powerful tool to try terrorist suspects and protect the nation. Last week, the US Congress agreed to ease regulations relating to the transfer of 158 detainees in Guantanamo prisons to other custody sites.