The Senate has held its first major hearing on efforts to close the Guantánamo Bay prison since President Obama’s first year in office. Wednesday’s hearing from the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights came days after the Pentagon said dozens of prisoners will face parole-style reviews to determine whether they threaten the United States. Arguing for Guantánamo’s closure, the panel’s chair, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, cited new Pentagon figures on the prison’s costs.

Sen. Dick Durbin: “Guantánamo Bay detention costs for fiscal year 2012 were $448 million, and for fiscal year 2013, estimated at $454 million. Do the math: 166 prisoners, $454 million. We are spending $2.7 million per year for each detainee held at Guantánamo Bay.”