Cole Supports SAFE Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he supported H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015, which passed the House by a vote of 289-137. In response to the increasing influence of ISIL/ISIS and the terrorist group's suspected exploitation of refugees fleeing the escalating conflict in the Middle East, this legislation halts admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States until the vetting process is strengthened.

The bill recommends improvements to background checks and requires that the FBI Director, Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence independently verify that any individual resettled in the United States does not threaten the safety of American citizens.

"Our first obligation and duty is to keep American citizens safe and prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc in the United States," said Cole. "Given the recent attacks in Paris and considering that one of the attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe, it is clear that ISIL will use the refugee tragedy and any other means necessary to smuggle terrorists into other countries in order to commit crimes against humanity. Without question, we must be certain that isn't allowed to happen in the United States when accepting refugees. While I don't doubt that many refugees are genuinely fleeing the Middle East for safe haven from ISIL's violence, our security officials also have an obligation to verify that any individuals resettled on American soil pose no risk to the safety of our own citizens. Until the system is adequately improved and strengthened, it is safer for all concerned to delay refugees from entering the country."

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