WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Richard Hanna today issued the following statement in regard to the terror attacks in Paris and around the world and the connection to ISIS:
“The horrifying tragedy in Paris this past Friday highlights the stark and brutal realities of the ongoing conflict in Syria, the rise of ISIS, and the risks of growing Islamic extremism. Although details are still emerging, it appears that at least one of the terrorists entered Europe posing as a Syrian refugee. The attacks in Paris are not isolated events, but rather follow a pattern of several other incidents around the world from Egypt to Lebanon in which the Islamic State has brutally targeted innocent civilians.
“In October 2015, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey reported that his agency did not have the resources to adequately screen incoming Syrian refugees. In light of this startling admission and recent tragedies in Paris, Beirut, Egypt and around the world, Congress has an obligation to re-evaluate our country’s policy with regard to the future admission of Syrian refugees. I am joining with my colleagues in the House to call on the Obama Administration to immediately halt the admission of additional Syrian refugees until it can verify that a thorough and transparent process is in place to fully screen every individual.
“It is also important that we not overlook the Obama Administration’s failure to articulate a coherent direction forward in Syria and against the Islamic State. The President’s current approach of irresponsibly moving from one failed strategy to another is not a sustainable way of promoting stability in the region or protecting our homeland. This Administration must communicate a clearer policy vision for addressing the widening instability in Syria. This is why I have called on the President to work with Congressional leaders to articulate a path forward in Syria and, if necessary, bring a plan to the House floor that can be openly debated and voted upon.”