Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) - Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) today voted to protect American citizens by strengthening background checks on Syrian refugees attempting to enter the United States. The American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 (SAFE Act) was introduced in response to the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated last week by the Islamic State in Paris, France. At least one terrorist involved in the Paris attack used a Syrian passport to gain entry into Europe. Numerous media reports have highlighted the threat of the Islamic State exploiting America’s refugee resettlement program to infiltrate the United States and the dire need for increased scrutiny on the backgrounds of Syrian refugees.

“Keeping Americans safe is my number one priority,” said Congressman Grothman. “It’s clear the Islamic State wants to exploit and infiltrate the Syrian refugee program to plant terrorists inside the United States. This bipartisan legislation will protect Americans by ensuring that any Syrian refugee admitted to the United States passes a rigorous background check.”

“President Obama downplayed the role radical Islam played in the Paris attacks, declaring the Islamic State was ‘contained’ hours before the attacks occurred. The President has shown he is naïve and weak when it comes to protecting America and our national interests overseas. While ultimately I believe we should halt our Syrian refugee program for the foreseeable future, this legislation is a serious first step towards preventing another terrorist attack on U.S. soil.”

U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his first term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Contact his Washington, D.C., office at (202) 225-2476, or online at grothman.house.gov.

                                                                       ###