Cooper Statement on National Security and Trump Executive Orders

Statement

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement:

I am cosponsoring legislation that would reverse the President's Executive Orders. It is my hope that there are Republicans in the House who will cross party lines to support it.

I am more worried about the future of America than I have been in a long, long time. Even the headline in today's Wall Street Journal, often viewed as a Republican newspaper, says, "Immigration Order Sows Chaos." Our President should not be sowing chaos.

The President's Executive Orders on immigration this past weekend were confusing, irresponsible and make America less safe. For example, Trump is denying entry to Iraqis and Kurds who helped U.S. troops survive during the war. Trump was also temporarily exiling green card holders who are legally permitted to be in the United States.

Gen. John Kelly, Trump's Homeland Security Secretary, clarified the President's order by saying that allowing green card holders to return to the U.S. is "in the national interest."

Gen. Michael Hayden, former Director of the National Security Agency, Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Director of the CIA, calls the refugee order a "political, ideological move" that makes us less safe because it verifies the jihadists' propaganda.

I'm thankful for Republicans, including Senators Alexander, Corker, McCain and Graham, who are opposing the President's actions.

Just as concerning is the sudden reorganization of the National Security Council, which gives Trump advisor Steve Bannon a permanent seat on the council, and diminishes the role of our key military experts, such as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. This is a radical, dangerous change.

Locally, a Kurdish family was bound for Nashville on special immigrant visas. They were sent back to the Middle East after spending years undergoing intense vetting. The father previously worked as a translator at an organization contracted by the U.S. government. My office is currently working to help them.

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