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A Cautious Approach to the Syrian Refugee Crisis
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WATCH: I recently spoke on the House floor about the Syrian refugee crisis,
and the steps we should take to protect the American people. |
In 2011, two men in Bowling Green, Kentucky, were filmed packaging weapons - phony stinger missiles and explosives provided by an undercover agent - to send to Al-Qaeda in Iraq. As the FBI investigated, they discovered that one of the men had planted IEDs in Iraq, killing American troops, and both had been detained previously in Iraq.
These men entered the U.S. in 2009 through the Iraqi refugee program, passing the vetting process despite fighting against our troops.
Upon this discovery, the Obama Administration paused the Iraqi refugee program for 6 months as the vetting process was reviewed and enhanced.
This pause wasn't an indictment of all Iraqis trying to resettle in America or those refugees already here. It was a recognition that there were enough security concerns to take a sensible pause as we reassess our security measures.
Today we are at a similar point. Strengthening the vetting process in light of new threats is the prudent course of action.
READ my entire column in The Cincinnati Enquirer here.
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Do you think the United States
should admit Syrian refugees? |
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| Keeping America Safe |
| House passes bipartisan bill to effectively pause U.S. refugee program |
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As millions of people flee the Middle East to escape violence and terror, there is little doubt among intelligence officials that terrorists will try to follow them. National Intelligence Director James Clapper stated: "we don't obviously put it past the likes of ISIL to infiltrate operatives among these refugees."
As representatives of the American people, Congress has a responsibility to keep our nation safe and secure, a responsibility I do not take lightly.
That is why I supported the SAFE Act (H.R. 4038), which passed the House with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority. This bill would prohibit any Syrian or Iraqi refugees from entering the United States unless:
1) the FBI Director can certify the background investigation of each refugee, AND
2) the Secretary of Homeland Security, along with the FBI Director and the Director of National Intelligence, can certify to Congress that each refugee is not a security threat.
It would also require the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General to assess the refugee approvals as an additional safety precaution.
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Featured Cosponsorship
Two resolutions to invalidate the EPA's CO2 regulations
(H. J. Res. 71,
H. J. Res. 72)
Featured Policy Letter
A letter calling for increased funding at the NIH
Have a bill or letter you would like me to support?
Let me know here.
More Ways to Connect
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WATCH: I joined Bill Hemmer on America's Newsroom to discuss Congress' plan to keep America safe. |
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Honoring Our Heroes
Retired Army Captain Florent Groberg has become the tenth living recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in our Armed Forces. In a ceremony at the White House on November 12, Captain Groberg was recognized for his bravery when he tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan's Kunar Province in August 2012. Although he was seriously injured, Captain Groberg's actions saved many of his fellow soldiers.
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| Retired Army Captain Florent Groberg |
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Prepping for Christmas
on Capitol Hill
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| Photo courtesy of the Pike County News Watchman |
All across America, and right here on Capitol Hill, folks are prepping for the Christmas season. This year, Ohio's Second District will play a special role in decorating our nation's capital for the holidays.
The 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree is currently being hauled to Washington, D.C. on a specially-designed Kenworth truck made in Chillicothe!
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Office Space
If you've never had the chance to visit my office in Washington, take a "behind the scenes" look, courtesy of Roll Call. Our Ohio pride is always on display!
Check it out here: http://bit.ly/218ESav |
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District Stops
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Clermont County Chamber of Commerce
Pacesetter Awards Dinner |
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Pictured here with UC Head Coach
Tommy Tuberville |
My District Work Week earlier this month wrapped up with two special events in Clermont and Hamilton Counties.
On November 12, I attended the Clermont Chamber of Commerce Pacesetter dinner and helped recognize several Clermont citizens who have gone above and beyond to positively contribute to our community. A big "congratulations" to all those who were awarded for their public service!
I also met up with Coach Tuberville and the UC Bearcats football team on the night of the 13th to talk about public service and the role faith has played in my life. As a UC graduate myself, it was great to share my experiences with the next generation of Bearcats!
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Connect:
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WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE
1318 Longworth H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
P:
(202) 225-3164
F:
(202) 225-1992
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HAMILTON COUNTY OFFICE
7954 Beechmont Ave, Suite 200
Cincinnati, OH 45255
P:
(513) 474-7777
F:
(513) 605-1377 |
PEEBLES OFFICE
170 North Main St.
Peebles, OH 45660
P:
(513) 605-1380
F:
(937) 798-4024
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UNION TOWNSHIP OFFICE
4350 Aicholtz Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45245
P:
(513) 605-1389
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