Yoho Votes to Increase the Level of Vetting for all Individuals Coming from Syria and Iraq

Washington D.C. –Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL-03) voted in favor of HR 4038 - the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. This bill will strengthen the vetting process for all Syrian and Iraqi refugees receiving admission to the United States.  H.R. 4038 puts in place the most robust national-security vetting process in history for any refugee population, and it gives the American people the assurances needed that we will do everything possible to prevent terrorists from reaching our nation. Congressman Yoho released the following statement after introduction of the bill:

“The refugee crisis caused by the Syrian civil war is a tragedy. America is the most generous country in the world and we want to help individuals who desire a life of freedom and liberty. However, our generosity cannot come at the expense of the security of our nation.

“ISIS has not hid the fact that they will be using the refugee crisis/system to infiltrate western countries. Their recent threats stating that the attacks in Paris will be repeated in the U.S., is a threat we must take seriously. We have already seen reports that Syrians – using doctored passports – are trying to enter into the US through Honduras and other South and Central American countries. FBI Director James Comey has stated that the federal government does not have the resources or proper information needed to fully vet refugees from Syria. If we know all of this, it does not make sense to proceed with a flawed system and risk our security.

“The U.S. has a rich history in welcoming people to its shores. As an American, I acknowledge this and I am proud of this part of our history. As a Member of Congress, I feel a responsibility to the people I represent and to all Americans to ensure their security and the security of this nation. Anything less would be reckless and naïve.”

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Congressman Ted Yoho serves on the Foreign Affairs and Agriculture Committees. He represents North Florida’s 3rd Congressional District