Nearly One-Third of House Republicans Support Effort to Exert More Congressional Oversight Through Upcoming Spending Bill

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) was joined by 73 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Speaker Ryan, Majority Leader McCarthy and Appropriations Chairman Rogers asking that a provision be included in the upcoming year-end spending bill that would defund and suspend the President’s Syrian refugee plan pending further Congressional oversight and scrutiny over the refugee resettlement program.

“There is no duty of the federal government more important than ensuring the protection of the American people,” the letter states.  “We believe that we would fall short of that duty if Congress fails to exercise greater authority over the Administration’s refugee resettlement program.  We see this as an important national security concern.  It is prudent and in the best interest of the American people that language be included in the upcoming FY 2016 appropriations legislation to restore Congressional oversight and authority over the refugee program.”

The letter, which is consistent with Babin’s bill that he introduced back in July — the Resettlement Accountability National Security Act (H.R. 3314) — specifically requests the following provisions be added in the final spending package:

1) Suspend the program permitting refugees from Syria, the Middle East, and North Africa to settle in the U.S. unless Congress reinstitutes the program by joint resolution. 2) Conduct a rigorous overhaul of the refugee investigation and admission process, and add new oversight measures and requirements before the program can resume. 3) Continue to provide reasonable funding for food, medicine, and shelter for refugees overseas.