The US Senate has voted to continue to allow Guantanamo inmates¹ to be tried on US soil, removing a hurdle² as the Obama administration seeks to close the camp.

美国参议院投票通过允许关塔那摩湾囚犯在美国国土继续服役的决议，扫除了奥巴马政权试图关闭该拘留营的障碍。

The prison was opened in the wake of the September 2001 attacks

The measure, which was passed by the House last week, permits Guantanamo detainees（被扣押者，被拘留者） to be brought to the US only in order to face trial in US courts.

Those cleared cannot remain in the US. The bill - passed 79-19 by the Senate - largely mirrors existing restrictions³.

It will now go to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.

Mr Obama has set a 22 January 2010 deadline for closing the Guantanamo Bay camp in Cuba, where more than 220 inmates（囚犯） are still held.

While some will be tried on US soil, others could be sent to abroad or face military tribunals（军事审判机关）.

Republican concerns

The legislation passed by Congress removes one of the many legal, diplomatic and political hurdles⁴ in the path of the administration as it seeks to close the camp.

Under its terms, Congress must be provided with a detailed⁵ assessment⁶（估价，评估） of the security risk involved before a detainee can be brought to the US.

The administration must also give notice of any transfer.

Those cleared cannot be released onto US soil.

Some Republicans have objected to plans to hold Guantanamo detainees in US prisons, arguing that they do not deserve the protections afforded under US law.