WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) voted yesterday in support of H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015. This bill will prevent any refugee from Syria or Iraq from entering the United States unless the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) certify that the refugee does not pose a threat to our safety or national security. Whitfield released the following statement upon passage of the SAFE Act which received strong bipartisan support.
“The threat posed by terrorists such as ISIS and other radical Islamists around the world is serious and our response must be, too. President Obama’s current policies on the screening of refugees are weak and could have dangerous consequences if allowed to continue as they are.
“I am sympathetic to those refugees who are truly in need and have suffered through religious and political persecution. However, we simply cannot afford to jeopardize our safety and security and must take every action within our power to prevent potential terrorists from entering into our country. The legislation passed today, will strengthen our national security, and help ensure the safety of the American people.”