House Passes American SAFE Act - An Important Step, More Work to be Done

Statement

Today, U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (GA-07) issued the following statement with regard to his support of House-passed legislation -- H.R. 4038, the "American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act" -- that would increase existing screening requirements for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Included in the additional security measures, the bill requires refugees from the region to receive unanimous clearance from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence before being permitted to enter the United States.

"The number one priority of the Federal government is to keep the American people safe," said Rep. Woodall. "That is exactly why I co-sponsored H.R. 4038, and why I was proud to support its strong, bipartisan passage in the House today. The SAFE Act puts in place necessary screening measures to prevent a ruthless enemy from exploiting American goodness and generosity. By requiring unanimous certification from our nation's top security officials before granting entry to a refugee, we are able to prioritize American safety while continuing to be a safe harbor for good people in need. The horrific attacks in Paris last week are a painful reminder of the enemy's resolve -- and underscore the need for a clear strategy from the President to defeat ISIS. Congress and the American people have asked repeatedly -- and most recently in the National Defense Authorization Act sent to the White House just days ago -- for that strategy, and now is the time."

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