Blackburn Votes to Strengthen National Security

Statement

Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. This legislation would require the FBI, Homeland Security Department and director of national intelligence to certify to Congress that any refugee seeking entry to the United States from Syria or Iraq is not a threat to the security of the United States.

"This is a solid first step in strengthening our national security and protecting Americans from terrorists that pose as refugees. When we return after Thanksgiving, we will begin work on another package of legislation because more work must be done to ensure the safety of our country.

"We know that Islamic State terrorists can just as easily pose as illegal aliens crossing our southern border as they can refugees fleeing a war torn country overseas. Congressional action to protect American citizens from Islamic State terrorists must acknowledge vulnerabilities in our overseas vetting process as well as our domestic security vulnerabilities. That's why I'm working with my colleagues to temporarily suspend Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) resettlement funding for all refugees, as well as individuals not in a legitimate lawful status. If Congress funds ORR without such restrictions, Congress will be providing the President the funds to carry out his refugee resettlement efforts in full -- both from countries overseas as well as through the resettlement of illegal aliens at the Southern border," Blackburn said.

To learn more about legislation Congressman Blackburn is working on to address the issue for inclusion in an omnibus spending bill, click here.

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