SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS; Congressional Record Vol. 161, No. 172

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SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS

(Mr. VEASEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1

minute.)

Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, since the passage of the American SAFE Act,

the constituents that I serve have reached out to me through phone

calls, email, and social media to voice their concerns.

I want to be clear that I did not view the SAFE Act as a vote against

Syrian or Iraqi refugees or the greater refugee community. But it is my

duty in serving my constituents in Congress to share some of the views

that they called me about.

One resident who previously taught Syrian refugees said, \\\`\\\`Support of

this bill and the accompanying shameful public comments about refugees

make us less safe and respond from fear, not strength.''

Messages in support of refugees continue to pour in, stating loud and

clear that America cannot turn its back on refugees. I want to thank

the constituents that I serve for their continued feedback.

Tomorrow, I will be addressing the House once more about this subject

at length. I don't want to remain silent about this issue because the

district that I serve has made it very clear that they care very deeply

about it.

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