McKinley Votes to Protect National Security, Fix Refugee Process

Statement

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday many Americans have expressed concern about the Syrian refugee program and the possibility that ISIS could pose as refugees to enter the country and do harm on American soil.

Today the House addressed these concerns by passing a bill to require thorough background and security checks to be completed before any refugee from Syria or Iraq can come to the United States. The American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act (H.R. 4038) passed with a strong bipartisan veto-proof majority.

"My single greatest responsibility is to ensure our national security and keep American citizens safe," said David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). "Today we took a first step to reduce the risk of terrorists using the refugee program to attack the United States."

"Given the events of the last month -- in Paris, Beirut, Egypt, Africa, and elsewhere around the world -- pushing the pause button to do thorough checks before we allow additional refugees is the most responsible course of action," added McKinley.

"While we should show compassion for the plight of refugees from these war-torn countries, Congress also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the American people," said McKinley. "This is a good first step and Congress should continue working to mitigate the threats posed to us by radical extremists."

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