Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) says it’s time for the United States to enact new security measures to address the issue of Syrian and Iraqi refugees entering the country.
The Corning Republican, who represents New York’s 23rd congressional district – including Chautauqua County, used his weekly conference call on Tuesday to call on the Senate to act on a proposal regarding refugees that was recently approved in the House. Reed said the proposal – known as the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 – prioritizes American’s over Refugees and is a fair approach to keeping those who can’t be verified or properly vetted from entering the country.
The bill prevents refugees from Syria and Iraq from seeking refugee status in the United States until multiple government agencies independently certify that there is no security threat. No Syrian or Iraqi refugee is able to enter the country without these clearances.
It was in response to President Obama pledging to allow roughly 10,000 refugees from Syria and Iraq into the United States over the next year.
Reed supported the legislation when it was considered in the House late last year. The bill was supported by a nearly a two-thirds majority needed to override a Presidential veto of the bill, should it pass the Senate.
The Senate is expected to consider the proposal later this week.
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