Posted on 11/19/2015 1:43:52 PM PST by afraidfortherepublic
The House of Representatives Thursday defied President Obama’s threat of a veto and voted, 289-137, to impose new screening requirements on Syrian and Iraqi refugees trying to enter the United States.
The bill was supported by 47 Democrats. Only two Republicans opposed it. The House plan would bar any refugees from Syria or Iraq from entering the United States until the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence certify that each one is not dangerous.
“If our law enforcement and our intelligence community cannot verify that each and every person is not a security threat, then they shouldn’t be allowed in,†said Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
“The status quo is not acceptable,†said House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas. “The American people want us to act in light of what’s happened.â€
Other lawmakers agreed.
“I cannot sit back and ignore the concerns of my constituents and the American public,†said Rep. Brad Ashford, D-Neb.
“It is against the values of our nation and the values of a free society to give terrorists the opening they are looking for,†said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
The bill comes after Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 129 people. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks. At least one attacker posed as a Syrian refugee, officials have disclosed. These events created new opposition to Obama’s plan to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to the United States.
Despite its passage, the bill on Thursday lacked enough votes to override a presidential veto. Republican aides said that absences could change that picture if an override vote becomes necessary.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid doesn’t plan to let that happen.
“The problem is not with refugees,†Reid said. “I don’t think we’ll be dealing with it over here.â€
When asked about a presidential veto and a potential override, Reid said, “don’t worry, it won’t get passed. Next question?â€
If the bill is blocked in the Senate, House Republicans may force the issue through an omnibus government spending bill, which has to be passed by Dec. 11 to keep the government operating.
Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., said he would vote against a spending bill that doesn’t contain provisions halting the refugee program.
“I think that we have to exert maximum leverage,†Salmon said.
h/t: The Hill
“Paul Ryan dosn’t look so foolish now!”
Sorry, but I still think Paul Ryan is a worthless GoPee sycophant. This vote was more pi$$ing into the wind by the GoPee. Ryan is a disgrace! Take him back to Wisconsin. He can hang out with your classless not ready for prime time GoPee governor. Sorry to be so blunt, but both of these men are not the caliber we need in Washington. Walker’s parting shot at Trump was disgraceful, and if Ryan is given a chance, he will push through amnesty!
I tend to believe that Ryan in his secret deal to become House leader was well aware that at some point the questions like such as on this issue would come to the surface. He is the snake in the grass of such matters/issues. he Republicans that caved in for his appointment are shameless.
They are still 5 votes short of a 3/4ths vote to override a presidential veto.
Two thirds.
oops . . . my bad . . . they are well able to override if it comes to that.
Obama claims to love bipartisanship. This is pretty bipartisan.
Look what it takes these days to do something so commonsense and pro-American. It takes the threat of impending American deaths just to get a symbolic vote like this. The only reason they’re even voting is because so many people are getting apoplectic over these refugees.
Agreed. Americans are going to die and it will be soon.
What you said was my first thought....but after Paris ...and Obama’s disgusting remarks, I think there just might be a stronger surge of anti-Obama than would otherwise be seen. Perhaps a few Dems are finally waking up, or willing to take a stand regarding the irate state of their constituents. America is ANGRY and that makes her dangerous!
You just might be surprised.
Is there enough votes to override the veto?
Yep.
So do they have 2/3rd’s vote to override the veto?
The House, yes. The Senate is another story.
How close is the Senate to an override?
The Senate won’t consider the bill. Reid is blocking it.
Nearly. There were several members absent, and Ryan seems to think that he’ll have the votes if it comes to it. The problem now is the Senate.
Of course. Since America, like George W. Bush, is to blame for every ill known to man.
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