Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, released the following statement on his vote against House Republicans' H.R. 4038, legislation that could effectively end the admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States:
"The first and foremost duty of our government is to protect the people of the United States, and it is a responsibility that must be met with thoughtful, bipartisan policy-making. The measure considered today failed on both fronts, while also neglecting to truly strengthen our national security.
"I opposed this legislation because its sole outcome would be to substantially delay or even end the admission of women and children fleeing Syria and Iraq into the U.S. These are innocent people who have been brutalized by both their own government as well as Daesh. Protecting the American people from terrorism and providing protection to thoroughly vetted refugees are not mutually exclusive. The U.S. has long stood with those fleeing violence and persecution, and I believe we can -- and must -- stay true to our values while ensuring our national security."