On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., brought out the “Give States a Chance Act of 2015“ to back governors--including Gov. Rick Scott of Florida--who oppose the Obama administration’s plan to allow 10,000 refugees from Syria into the U.S.
Yoho’s bill, one of a series of bills from Republican congressional representatives against the White House’s proposal, would give governors the ability to reject the federal government’s request to have Syrian refugees in their states if they believe there is a security risk or they weren’t properly notified. Reports have emerged that at least one of the Islamic terrorists involved in last week’s attacks in Paris had come to France under the guise of being a Syrian refugee.
“The first responsibility of the federal government is to provide for the common defense and protection of all Americans,” Yoho, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Wednesday. “It is no secret that ISIS, and those who wish American harm, fight in the shadows and will use the cover of the tragic Syrian refugee crisis as cover to enter into the United States.
“In light of the Paris attacks, it is wise that we suspend the current refugee relocation process until we know for a fact who these people are,” Yoho added. “This is a legitimate security concern. Until we can figure this out, governors of each state should not be pushed by the Obama administration to accept these refugees. Governors have a right to know if the federal government plans to come into their state with refugees. I applaud Gov. Scott – from my state of Florida - for speaking out against the administration’s plan.”
Yoho’s bill also makes the attorney general and the directors of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Homeland Security, and National Intelligence vet all Syrian refugees to ensure they pose no threat.
“I don’t believe all refugees are terrorists, but we cannot compromise our security,” Yoho said. “There are those who wish to do us harm and we cannot continue a program that is so riddled with national security risks to our country. We have a right to know who is coming into the United States and for what purpose. Until we do and properly secure our methods, the refugee program should be suspended.”
Scott continued his efforts against the White House’s plans on Wednesday, speaking out against them with appearances on “Fox and Friends” and “Hannity” on Fox News.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
