Obama criticizes Congress for refusing to close Cuba prison

Obama pledged when he became president eight years ago to close the facility in his first year, but lawmakers in both political parties blocked the effort.

"The restrictions imposed by the Congress that prevent us from imprisoning detainees, even to prosecute and secure a life sentence, in the United States make no sense," Obama said in a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., dated Thursday, the day before his presidency ends.

"There is simply no justification beyond politics for the Congress' insistence on keeping the facility open," Obama added, reiterating his argument that continuing to operate the prison jeopardizes U.S. relations with its allies and poses a continued threat to U.S. national security.