Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 158, a bill that would improve the Visa Waiver Program and ensure better information sharing among intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This is separate from the Republican proposal introduced last week that would have effectively halted refugee resettlement. Refugees already undergo the most stringent screening process of any individual entering the United States, with an extensive series of background checks. Refugees are victims, not perpetrators of terrorism. Categorically refusing to take them only feeds the narrative of ISIS. In contrast, H.R. 158 strengthens the screening of travelers who qualify for the Visa Waiver Program by increasing intelligence and law enforcement cooperation and by making it harder for extremists to falsify their identities and enter our borders. Rather than betraying our timeless American values by scapegoating refugees, which only plays into ISIS' hands, we should focus on addressing real vulnerabilities to our homeland security. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 158. ____________________”