Washington, D.C. — Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) joined 35 House colleagues on Friday in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging him to make good on his promise to bring the American SAFE Act to a vote in the Senate.  The American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act (H.R. 4038) requires enhanced screening and background checks for Syrian and Iraqi refugees before being considered for admittance into the United States.

“Our government’s first Constitutional duty is to provide for a strong national defense,” said Rep. Bost.  “In the wake of two Iraqi refugees being arrested in the U.S. for ties to terrorism, we must put the strongest possible measures to vet those crossing our borders and keep Americans safe.  That’s why a halt in the refugee program must happen immediately and last until we have a strict background check system in place.”