11-17-15 johnson statement on syrian refugees

WASHINGTON — Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said this Monday regarding the United States accepting Syrian refugees: “We must ensure that the U.S. does not in any way short-circuit the vetting process, given the very real possibility that terrorists behind the Paris attacks concealed themselves among Syrian refugees. I will use the oversight power of the committee I chair, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to hold the administration’s feet to the fire — particularly at the Department of Homeland Security — on fully vetting anyone admitted as a refugee.  “To the extent this administration allows Syrian refugees into America, it should be done using a common sense prioritization of those most in need and who pose no threat.  The first priority should be women and children relatives of Syrian-American citizens who would be financially responsible for their relatives.  “The fact that a number of governors, charged with their states’ safety, have rejected Syrian refugees should be a signal to us all: Many Americans do not believe they can trust this administration to properly vet these refugees. The administration must address these legitimate concerns.”