The American people watched in horror as one of our oldest allies was rocked by a series of ISIS terrorist attacks just days ago. It was a stark reminder that ISIS poses a real threat to our allies and America. However, this reality is not clearly seen by our President. The Administration’s failed foreign policy in the Middle East, and failure to take the ISIS threat seriously, are responsible for the flood of Syrians currently leaving their country.
We all remember when the President told us that ISIS was the “jayvee team.” Now, that jayvee team, including at least one terrorist registered as a refugee from Syria, murdered at least 120 innocent people in Paris.
The United States already has the most generous refugee policies in the world, and the Administration must ensure that those seeking refuge here do not pose national security threats to our nation. ISIS has already made clear their intentions to use the refugee system to gain access to America.
Disturbingly enough, top Administration security officials have told Congress that the refugee vetting process is not adequate. But, President Obama continues to move forward with his plan to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees into the U.S. over the coming year.
That is why the Judiciary Committee, which I chair, has led the way in efforts to force the Administration to properly vet any refugees from Syria and Iraq. Just this week, the Committee held a hearing on the Syrian refugee crisis, and on the same day we pushed legislation on the House floor that will require the Administration to certify refugees are not threats to our security.
This legislation, H.R. 4038, is simple. For refugees who are truly threatened in their homeland, the U.S. should continue its long and proud history of providing aid to those in need in countries near the homes they wish to return to when they are able. But for those coming to the U.S., it seems a common sense requirement that the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, FBI Director, and Director of National Intelligence all certify to Congress that each refugee from Syria and Iraq is not a security threat prior to his or her admission.
If they truly are vetted and given thorough background checks, then the buck stops with the heads of these federal agencies. Thankfully this common sense bill was approved by a strong, bipartisan majority.
H.R. 4038 is not meant to be the sole solution to the security problems we face in vetting Syrians and other refugees. However, it is an important first step. Even before the Paris attacks, the Judiciary Committee was hard at work on legislation to make necessary security-related and other changes to the refugee program. I look forward to moving this legislation through the House.
The primary duty of the federal government is to keep Americans safe, and it has become clear that we need to hit pause on the President’s plan. H.R. 4038 takes an important step toward strengthening the vetting process for the refugee program. I urge the Senate to take this bill up and send it to the President’s desk so that we can send the strong message that Americans do not support his plan.
Congressman Bob Goodlatte
