Safety of American Families

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the first value of American leadership is the safety and security of our citizens.

While it is important to support those fleeing conflicts across the globe, the CIA Director's recent statements on the distinct possibility of additional attacks and the national security implications surrounding Syrian refugees at this point are too great to ignore.

The FBI has also indicated that it is next to impossible to appropriately screen refugees. For this reason, I have called upon the President to place a hold on admitting refugees into the country.

Additionally, I have joined with members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation in requesting that Governor Tom Wolf also place a moratorium on accepting refugees into the Commonwealth.

The House today will consider legislation that suspends refugee admissions until we assure that adequate screening security for threats is in place.

We must not take any chances that could put our country at risk. This is the first in many steps that will provide Americans security, while also supporting our long-term humanitarian tradition in this country.

I encourage my colleagues to support the SAFE Act that will be on the floor later this morning.

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