BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota U.S. Sen. John Hoeven said Tuesday he supports legislation to block President Barack Obama's push to close the American military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, saying it is needed to detain prisoners of war and suspected terrorists.

Hoeven and three other senators visited Guantanamo on Monday to inspect the facility, and Hoeven said he was convinced that its 171 inmates were being treated well.

Hoeven said he spoke to the facility's commander, Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harbeson, and several guards, toured the facility and observed some prisoners up close. Hoeven said he did not speak to any prisoners.

``These are terrorists and enemy combatants that we're trying to deal with in the best way possible,'' Hoeven said. ``These are people that have attacked us, made war on us ... but we still give them due process.''

Obama promised repeatedly during his campaign to close Guantanamo. The president signed an executive order on Jan. 22, 2009, two days after he took office, directing that the prison be shut down within one year. It remains open.