Tipton Calls for Bennet to Break Silence, Lead On Syrian Refugee Issue in Senate

Press Release

Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO) reaffirmed his call to Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) to lead in the Senate on the Syrian refugee issue. Bennet has been silent on Senator Harry Reid's threats to block legislation passed yesterday in the House by a veto-proof bipartisan majority, and has declined to take a position on the four and one-half page bill.

Tipton is a co-sponsor of the bill--known as the SAFE Act--which would suspend admission of refugees from Syria into the United States until more stringent vetting processes are in place.

"Yesterday, a veto-proof bipartisan majority of the House took action to suspend the admission of refugees from Syria into the U.S. until more stringent verification of their identities and backgrounds is possible. President Obama and Governor Hickenlooper have both called for stringent verification of refugees, and the bill we passed would ensure that happens," said Tipton. "This is a commonsense security measure with broad support, and yet it's been radio silence from Senator Bennet while Harry Reid threatens to block even debating it in the Senate. Governor Hickenlooper refused to take a stand for the people of Colorado on this issue, and instead chose to stand behind the President's unilateral actions. I'm calling for Senator Bennet to step out from behind Harry Reid's shadow to lead in the Senate and support this bipartisan legislation that protects Americans' security. You can't be non-committal when national security is at stake. It is too important to remain silent on--Coloradans deserve leaders who will put their security first."

The SAFE Act, H.R. 4038, would strengthen the national-security vetting process to better ensure terrorists are not able to enter the U.S. by exploiting humanitarian programs. The bill would require that the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI and the Director of National Intelligence unanimously certify to Congress that a refugee does not pose a security threat before being allowed to enter into the country. Tipton has also co-sponsored H.R. 4025, to prohibit the use of any federal funds to admit refugees from Syria.

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