Letter to Edward R. Royce, Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs - Hold Congressional Hearing on Syrian Refugee Crisis

Letter

Dear Chairman Royce:

The brutal four-year civil war in Syria has resulted in an international humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. Though the United States has delivered more humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict than any other nation, other countries have stepped up to accept thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing the terrible violence. I encourage you to convene a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing to afford members a venue for serious discussion on the appropriate role of the United States in resettling Syrian refugees.

The United States has provided more than $4 billion in humanitarian assistance to support the nearly 8 million Syrians internally displaced, 12 million Syrians in need of humanitarian assistance, and 4 million Syrian refugees housed in neighboring countries. However, despite our unmatched financial support, the number of Syrian refugees accepted into the United States for resettlement is extremely low.

The United States has only accepted 1,554 Syrian refugees since fighting in the nation began in 2011. As the administration decides how many Syrian refugees the United States will resettle in the future, it is important for Congress to have a public voice in the debate.

Resettling refugees from conflict is a reflection of our nation's values and leadership. Congress has a duty to discuss earnestly our nation's responsibility to share in the burden of sheltering innocent Syrians fleeing incredible violence and despair.

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