Madam President. I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in passing the House bill to improve the Syrian refugee resettlement program and take at least a first really important step toward protecting Americans here at home with regard to this refugee and homeland security question. Frankly. I think we should be going further. but given the gravity of the issue and the urgent need to address stated and documented shortfalls within the refugee program. I support passage of this bill as a start. We cant just forgetignorethe facts. and the fact is that those responsible. for instance. for the tragic attacks in Paris just a few short months ago took advantage of the influx of Syrian refugees into France. and at least one of them got in that way. If that isnt disturbing enough. we must also remember the fact that the majority of the 9111 attackers were granted admission to the United States on temporary immigration status. There were holes and problems in that program. Clearly. we need to update and reform the current systems in place. and I assure my colleagues that I wont stop pressing for complete and adequate safeguards as the President continues to invite additional refugees onto American soil. Voting in favor of the SAFE Act brings us one step closer to improving the security of our Nation. It would be a mistake to retreat to some sort of pre9/11 posture or mindset.
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