The President 's comments follow a flurry of executive action at the start of what he called his `` fourth quarter '' in the Oval Office -- after Republicans walloped Democrats in November 's midterm elections , taking control of both houses of Congress . President Obama promised during his campaign in 2008 to close the military prison in Cuba . The White House has said it will not do so until Congress passes a law that would allow for transfer of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay and other U.S. detention facilities around the world. He said he still hopes to fulfill one of his first promises as president .
President Obama promised during his campaign in 2008 to close the military prison in Cuba . The White House has said it will not do so until Congress passes a law that would allow for transfer of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay and other U.S. detention facilities around the world. He said he still hopes to fulfill one of his first promises as president .