House Overwhelmingly Approves Bill To Reject Syrian Refugees

U.S. House members, in their final vote before adjourning for the Thanksgiving holiday, passed legislation requiring additional background checks before admitting Syrian refugees.

A few developments were made by the Department of Homeland Security to the visa waiver plan in August in response to similar issues about the risk from radicals. “What we need to do is keep our homeland safe”.

It would also send the message that the federal government is willing to violate the constitution to defy President Barack Obama’s orders to accomodate Syrian refugees.

The White House, in promising to veto the bill, repeatedly said it would undermine American leadership in a region where Republicans have said it is lacking, and would undercut Washington’s ability to command a coalition against the security threats in Syria.

“It baffles me”, Ryan told reporters Thursday morning about the veto threat.

Traveling in Asia with Mr. Obama, White House aides on Thursday scrambled to offer details about the vetting process for Syrian refugees in an effort to head off criticism and action in Congress. Josh Earnest, the president’s press secretary, called the interest of governors and others to understand the process “entirely legitimate”. Forty-seven Democrats voted for the bill along with nearly every Republican, though it’s possible Democrats might vote differently if it ever came down to overriding Obama’s veto.

“I can not sit back and ignore the concerns of my constituents and the American public”, said freshman Rep. Brad Ashford, D-Neb. After the exhaustive amendment process for the transportation bill, Ryan began this week by taking up the 45th “closed rule” of the year, setting a record for the number of bills on the House floor without the possibility of amendment. “You don’t have to be a college graduate to understand that”.

The bill passed the House of Representatives 289-137.

A similar concern was expressed by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th Dist.).

The House bill would increase the FBI’s role by charging it with conducting a “thorough background investigation” on each refugee. Comey testified last month that it is hard for US officials to collect information on Syrians in the midst of that nation’s civil war. “But at the same time we have to find a balance in providing vetting”, said Cuellar.

“When you’re afraid, you surrender what your values are”, said Pascrell, whose district includes several Syrian communities.

Earlier in a speech on the House floor, Pascrell criticized the GOP majority for bringing up the bill in the first place.

“Absolutely”, concurred Boxer. “We can actually work together now on this”. The next step will take place in the Senate.

He said the rhetoric coming from Republicans – and a few Democrats – would only hurt the country’s security. “But a pause is not complete elimination”. “I don’t think we’ll be dealing with it over here”.

“We face a choice”, Senator Warren said.

The Democrats also emphasized the need to ensure that people on terrorist watch lists can’t possess or purchase firearms or explosives – although passing any legislation on guns will be almost impossible due to Republican opposition.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Sen.

But House Democratic leaders aren’t pressing on their co-workers to oppose the bill.

The SAFE Act has enjoyed wide popularity with conservatives, but Dylan Frick, chairman of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Party, said the bill stokes needless fear of the Islamic State’s victims and even plays into the infamous terror group’s hands. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the acting ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The White House said that of 2,174 Syrians admitted to the US since the September 11, 2001 attacks, none has been arrested or deported because of allegations they harbored extremist ambitions.

However, even if the bill gets vetoed, the fight surrounding the Syrian refugee issue is not expected to be solved soon.

“Right now, the government can’t certify these standards”.