The U.S. has a moral obligation, as well as an obligation under international law, to welcome refugees fleeing war and persecution.
Despite this obligation, reports suggest Republicans may attach provisions blocking refugee resettlement to the “must-pass” year-end spending legislation (a.k.a. Omnibus) in order to try to force President Obama to sign them into law. [1]
Rep. Jared Polis is circulating a letter among his colleagues urging Speaker Paul Ryan to reject amendments to the Omnibus bill that would block refugee resettlement. The letter also states that funds for refugee vetting and resettlement should be increased so as to “ensure a thorough and expeditious process.”
Several Democrats who earlier voted for a bill to block refugee resettlement have already signed Rep. Polis’ letter. Your representative is a Democrat that has not signed the letter, but voted for the earlier bill. Call your Representative NOW at (202) 224-3121. You can say something like,
“We have a moral obligation to aid the Syrian and Iraqi refugees. I urge you to sign Rep. Jared Polis’ letter calling for rejection of riders to the Omnibus spending bill that would block refugee resettlement.”
When you’ve made your call, please report it below.