"There is no cutoff of the refugee program in this bill. ... No new criteria for refugee entry."
Rep. Joe Courtney
Connecticut Representative Joe Courtney has been pressed to defend his vote last week with the Republican majority in the House to strengthen the vetting procedure for Syrian refugees entering the U.S.
CT News Junkie reported that Courtney took to social media to address constituents and explain his reasons for voting for the American SAFE Act.
In a post on Facebook, Courtney said the U.S. has an extensive process for vetting those who seek to resettle here as refugees. But in the days after the attack in Paris, he heard from many people who said they felt the process needed to be reviewed.
Representative Jim Himes also voted in favor of the bill. Watch below as Himes explains his vote from the House floor:
Connecticut’s three other representatives opposed the bill.
Courtney said the bill requires the FBI and intelligence agencies to certify that they have conducted a thorough background check on potential refugees and believe that they do not represent a security threat.
Read Courtney's full statement below.
"Throughout the day, I have spoken with constituents concerned about my vote last night for a bill to augment the existing process for screening refugees from Iraq and Syria entering the United States. A lot has been said about the bill and my vote, and I wanted to take a moment to share my reasoning for supporting it and clarify some key points about the legislation.
"Until recently, most people did not realize that our nation has the most extensive process for vetting those seeking to resettle in the U.S. as refugees. Many agencies, including the FBI, DHS, Defense Department and State department are involved in a rigorous review of every refugee that enters our nation. All refugees are admitted only after successful completion of this stringent security screening regime. In the days after the attack in Paris, however, I heard from many constituents who felt that this process needed to be reviewed to ensure that it was as strong as it could be and instill confidence that no one seeking us harm could take advantage of the resettlement program.
"That is why after participating in a number of briefings with top security officials, consulting my colleagues, hearing from those I represent, and closely reviewing the specific details of the proposal, I voted for the American SAFE Act (H.R. 4038). This bill requires the FBI, intelligence agencies and DHS to certify that they have conducted a thorough background check on potential refugees and believe that they do not represent a security threat. Specifically, the bill would direct this certification to be in addition to -- not replacing -- the already robust process I outlined above, building into the process a final layer of confidence that everything possible has been done to screen individuals seeking refuge in our nation.
"The agencies required in the bill to provide the additional certification are already closely involved with the existing vetting process -- and given the painstaking and diligent work they already do, I do not believe that confirming that this work has been done presents an onerous or unachievable requirement that would, as some have suggested, delay or end the refugee program.
"That is what this legislation is about: a requirement to certify the existing vetting process of refugees entering this program. There is no cutoff of the refugee program in this bill. No suspension. No withholding of funding. No new criteria for refugee entry.
"I know some may not agree with my vote on this bill, but as always I hope constituents will share their thoughts with me at https://courtney.house.gov/email-joe1."
