Ernst Puts American Security First Through Support of SAFE Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today released the following statement after voting in support of the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act (H.R. 4038):

“For months, top national security officials in the Obama administration have raised concerns about the capacity of ISIS to exploit the refugee crisis and the limitations of our security vetting process. While the United States has a proud tradition of accepting refugees into our country, we must make every effort to confidently ensure that any refugee seeking to enter the United States does not pose a security threat to American citizens.

“This bill takes the necessary steps by first requiring the FBI to certify the background investigation of each refugee, and then requiring the FBI Director, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Director of National Intelligence to certify to Congress before we admit a refugee into the United States that the refugee does not pose a security threat to the United States.

“In addition to this important legislation, we must also focus on addressing the underlying, root cause of this international humanitarian crisis – President Obama’s failed policies against ISIS. Until President Obama presents a comprehensive plan to destroy ISIS, the refugee crisis will continue and our country’s security will remain at risk. Congress should also debate a new AUMF, which would be an important step toward achieving a serious bipartisan solution to destroy ISIS and those radicalized by the terrorist organization. The AUMF would give President Obama the authorization to fully engage, defeat, and destroy ISIS, wherever they are.”

Senator Ernst is a cosponsor of Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-SC) joint resolution for the Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) against the Islamic State (ISIS) and its associated forces.

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