Collins Speaks Out Against Obama’s Syrian Refugee Plan

Despite the threat of a veto from President Barak Obama, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly Thursday to suspend Obama’s program to admit 10,000 Syrian refugees into the U.S. over the next year.

House Resolution 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies or SAFE Act also puts a strict screening process in place for all Syrian refugees seeking to come the U.S.

If it becomes law, the measure would require the FBI, National Intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security to verify that each Syrian entering the U.S. is fully vetted and poses no security risk.

The President has argued such a bill would be cracking down on innocent women and children, saying quote, “that’s not who we are”

But during debate on the floor before the vote, 9th District U.S. Representative Doug Collins took issue with that comment and with those Representatives who sided with the President.

“I was stunned when I heard my colleague say that this bill appeals to the worst of us in America,” Collins stated. “The worst of us? Protecting America and trying to find ways to do that appeals to the worst of us? That to me is derogatory to every man and woman who serves in our military; who goes and fights for freedom. You’re telling me that to add a level of protection to those who live within our borders is appealing to the base of who we are? That is not true. Deflect how you want to, talk about this bill how you want to, vote how you want to, go on the side of saying, ‘you know, we’ve got it pretty good right now and those that have come haven’t done anything.’ I would rather see a proactive approach. I would rather see something that is very reflective of the world’s times and when we do that, then we’re fulfilling our role; that’s the best of America, not the worst.”

Collins also chastised the Director of Homeland Security’s comments that the extra screening steps would be too cumbersome.

“True refugees are not the problem,” Collins asserted.  “They can still apply. Nothing in this bill keeps…them from applying and going through that rigorous process; we’re simply adding a certification step. Now undoubtedly that’s a little cumbersome for our Secretary of our Department of Homeland Security. He says it’s cumbersome for him to certify each and every Syrian refugee. There’s issues here…. I’m sorry you’re the Security of the Department of Homeland Security Department in this country and your job is to keep us protected. And however that may play out, get the resources and do what you’re supposed to be doing.”

The measure, quickly drafted this week following the Islamic State attacks in Paris on Friday that killed 129 people, was approved on a vote of 289-137, with 47 of Obama’s 188 fellow Democrats breaking with the White House to support it.
The bill now goes to the Senate.