The mother died this past summer before she could leave that wartorn country. Out of respect for his friends privacy. [Congressman] Russell [of Oklahoma]. a retired Army lieutenant colonel. declined to offer specifics. including exactly what happened to the woman. But he said: "Im certain had he been able to get her to the United States. she would still be alive." [Congressman] Russell urged [his fellow] Republicans in the Senate to think carefully before supporting the House bill. saying they should not get refugees confused with the broader issue of immigration. He pointed out that in the past the U.S. has denied entry to people in need of help. including Jews [who were] fleeing the Nazis [in Europe during World War II]. "We have had dark periods when we have done this in the past." he said. "History never judges it kindly never." That was a quote by Congressman RUSSELL. a Republican from the State of Oklahoma. I think it is important to note. too. that "in a letter to lawmakers released [yesterday]. a group of national security experts. including figures prominent in Republican circles such as former Secretary of State [Henry] Kissinger. retired Gen. David Petraeus and former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. urged [us] to stop the House bill." "Refugees are victims. not perpetrators of terrorism." the signatories wrote. "Categorically refusing to take them only feeds the narrative of [the Islamic State] that there is a war between Islam and the West. that Muslims are not welcome in the United States and Europe. and that the [Islamic State] caliphate is their true home." Perhaps the saucer is cooling the tea. and perhaps the Senate will have the good sense not to follow the action of the House of Representatives in passing this provision. I have two other items to add to the RECORD before I yield the floor to my colleagues who have gathered here today. The first is an article that comes out of the city of Chicago. which I am honored to represent.
Keywords matched
immigration refugees Refugees