Walden, Wyden split on allowing Syrian refugees

Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., joined colleagues Thursday in backing a measure to halt entry of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the U.S., saying to do so now would be “reckless and dangerous.” But Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.,called instead for a strong screening process to uphold America’s tradition of welcoming war refugees.

The House easily passed the bill, 289-137, to suspend the program allowing Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the U.S. until key national security agencies certify they don’t pose a security risk.

There were 47 Democrats joining 242 Republicans in favor of the bill, a majority that could override President Obama’s promised veto. But the measure faces an uncertain fate in the Senate, where Minority Leader Harry Reid said he will try to block the bill.

“The terrorist attacks in Paris make clear just how serious the growing threat of ISIS is to the free world,” Walden said. “While our nation has a strong tradition of welcoming people who are seeking a better life, we cannot allow terrorists to take advantage of our compassion.

“It would be reckless and dangerous to bring in more Syrian refugees to this country until the government can ensure that none among them poses a security threat to the American people and our way of life.

“The House overwhelmingly passed a plan today to do just that — put a pause on accepting refugees from Syria until all individuals can be properly vetted. That way, we can be compassionate to suffering people while ensuring the safety of our nation.,” Walden said.

Among the Oregon delegation, Rep. Kurt Schrader also voted for the legislation, while fellow Oregon Democrats Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici opposed it. Blumenauer says the action is shameful, unnecessary and makes the U.S. less safe.

But Senator Wyden instead called for the U.S. “to uphold its traditional values and continue to allow refugees from violent oppression and terror to our shores, while ensuring a rigorous screening process is in place to protect the country,”

“Our country must ensure the refugee screening process is as strong as possible and protects all Americans,” Wyden said in a statement. “America can uphold its values and its tradition of welcoming refugees from violent oppression and terror. Our American tradition has always allowed refugees, like my parents, to come to this country and contribute to the greatest and freest nation on Earth.”

“Politicians not recognizing the connection between these two priorities undermine the foundational values of our republic and take the country in the wrong direction,” the senator added.