Bill Lee: “Our screening process has already involved multiple Federal intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies…”

“Our screening process has already involved multiple Federal intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the FBI. These agencies subject those seeking refuge in the United States to safeguards, such as biometric and biographic checks. Syrian refugees are already subject to additional forms of security screening. Mr. Speaker, it is worth noting--it has been said before, and I will say it again--that of the 2,174 Syrian refugees admitted to the United States since September 11, 2001, not a single one has been arrested or deported on terrorism-related grounds. I am proud that Oakland--in my congressional district--has resettled more Syrian refugees than any other East Bay area city in California. Rather than working to shut out those seeking refugee in our country, we should instead be working toward ensuring a regionally led, comprehensive, economic, political, and diplomatic solution to the conflicts that have led to the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Mr. Speaker, this would stop the flow of refugees and give them a chance to live in their own country free of war and violence. I urge my colleagues to reject this rule and this unnecessary bill.”