ICYMI: Sen. Cruz and Gov. Abbott Push for Passage of the State Refugee Security Act
Cruz unveiled the bill yesterday during a press conference in the U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a press conference in the U.S. Capitol, calling for passage of Sen. Cruz’s State Refugee Security Act of 2015 (S. 2363), which would empower the states to ensure the safety and security of their citizens by blocking the resettlement of refugees within their borders.
“We are today at a time of war. We’ve seen the attacks in Paris. We’ve seen the attack in San Bernardino. ISIS and radical Islamic terrorists have declared war on America, even if President Obama refuses to admit it,” Sen. Cruz said.
Cruz continued: “This legislation will protect the authority of the states and the authority of the governors to keep their citizens safe. Some 30 governors across the country have stood together with Gov. Abbott – standing together as one saying their obligation is to protect the safety and security of the citizens of Texas and the citizens of each of the states that have elected those governors. Those officials are doing their jobs. I applaud them and Gov. Abbott for honoring their commitments to the men and women who elected them. It is my hope that Congress will take up and pass into law the legislation that I introduced today that gives the governors the ability to opt out if the federal government is not sufficiently vetting refugees.”
“The current refugee act has been interpreted and applied in ways that compromise the safety and security of people in Texas, as well as other states across the country,” said Gov. Abbott. “As contrary to the way the law was written, the law specifically states that Congress intended to give states a substantial role in the refugee relocation process. The federal government and the relocation agencies have ignored and sidestepped that role. Sen. Cruz’s legislation strengthens the role of states and governors to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. My top priority as the Governor of Texas is to keep the citizens of Texas safe. With Sen. Cruz’s new proposed act, I’m better equipped to accomplish that goal.”
This morning, Gov. Abbott spoke to Fox News’ America’s Newsroom about the need for Sen. Cruz’s State Refugee Security Act.
Watch the press conference in its entirety here and read the text of Sen. Cruz’s bill here.
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