Topeka Capital-Journal: Four U.S. House members from Kansas vote to stop flow of Syrian refugees

Senate Democrats and President Obama have vowed to oppose SAFE Act

The four U.S. House members from Kansas voted Thursday to halt the flow of Syrian and Iraqi refugees seeking refuge in the United States, the first legislative action on an issue thrust into the national spotlight in recent days.

The American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act, or American SAFE Act, would temporarily stop the settlement of refugees until Congress is given assurance they have undergone more extensive background checks.

It would also require the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to certify background checks have been completed for refugees and require each refugee to receive unanimous certification from three national security officials — the FBI director, Homeland Security director and director of national intelligence.

The SAFE Act passed by a wide margin, 289-137, Thursday afternoon. Only two Republicans voted against the bill. Democrats were more split, with 47 voting in favor and 135 voting against. All members of Kansas’ congressional delegation are Republicans.

“A pause in admitting Syrian and Iraqi refugees until the administration can ensure the implementation of stringent safeguards is a logical and practical step to maintain the well-being of folks in Kansas and across the country,” Rep. Lynn Jenkins said in a news release.

Opponents of the SAFE Act note that the current screening process for refugees from the war-torn Middle East is thorough, lasting an average of 18 to 24 months. President Barack Obama, who has proposed the United States accept 10,000 refugees from Syria, has vowed to veto the bill.

“Slamming the door in the face of refugees would betray our deepest values. That’s not who we are. And it’s not what we’re going to do,” the president said in a social media statement Wednesday.

The yes votes of 47 Democrats on Thursday showcase the political pressure involved in constraining emigration from the Middle East in the wake of attacks in Paris last week that killed at least 129 people. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

“In light of the attacks in Paris, now is not the time to open our borders to refugees from countries who want to do us harm,” Rep. Kevin Yoder said in a news release. “Congress stands ready to use the power of the purse to halt this program should the president defy the will of the American people and veto this bill.”

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, have vowed to ensure the bill never reaches Obama’s desk. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told reporters Wednesday, “Don’t worry, it won’t get passed.” To pass through the Senate, the SAFE Act would require the support of at least a half-dozen Democrats or independents.

Regardless of the bill’s future, Thursday’s passage gave House Republicans a platform from which they could weigh in on the most contentious political topic of the past week.

“The SAFE Act takes common-sense and much-needed measures to strengthen our vetting system for Syrian and Iraqi refugees being admitted to the U.S.,” said Rep. Mike Pompeo. “We cannot allow any shortcuts when it comes to ensuring the safety of Kansans and the American people.”

Rep. Tim Huelskamp, who also voted in favor of the SAFE Act, said the U.S. should prioritize Christian refugees “who face martyrdom at the hands of Islamic jihadists.”

He said, “While our country has a history of welcoming those in need with open arms, we simply cannot allow ISIS the chance to seep into the U.S. unfiltered.”

Pompeo’s office announced Thursday that the congressman traveled to the Syrian border last week.

“There, I visited with Syrian refugees and saw, firsthand, the plight of these men, women, and children,” Pompeo said. “The president allowed these people to be driven from their homes, and now, terrorists can take advantage of the chaos that has ensued to infiltrate these refugee populations.”