Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-Fairport), is among those bucking a veto threat from President Obama over a bill passed Thursday that would put up tighter restrictions for Syrian and Iraqi refugees trying to enter the U.S.
Thursday's passage came on a 289-137 vote _ exceeding the two-thirds majority that would be needed to override a veto.
The roll call came after White House officials visited the Capitol and lobbied Democrats to oppose the legislation. Dozens of them ended up joining Republicans, anyway, and supporting the measure.
Slaughter was one of four New York Democratic representatives to vote for the legislation. Reps. Steve Israel (D-LI), Kathleen Rice (D-LI), Sean Maloney (D-Newburgh) also voted for the bill.
In a statement released Friday, Slaughter said that:
“Upon entering Congress, all members take an oath to protect our country from enemies foreign and domestic, and we will remain resolute in keeping the security of our nation as our top priority. As we deal with an unprecedented threat of terrorism and a growing refugee crisis, we must redouble our efforts to keep our country safe and ensure we address the humanitarian emergency in a secure and effective manner."
“Our vetting process is rigorous and lengthy, usually taking from 18 to 24 months, but must be updated to deal with emerging threats. This bill is a first step in modernizing our ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies, but it cannot be our last. America is a country of refugees and closing the door to those who have survived violence and torture would reverse centuries of American tradition. Our response to this crisis must protect our homeland while also defending the ideals that define us as a people.”
Area Republican representatives Tom Reed and Chris Collins also voted for the legislation.
The bill’s fate in the Senate is uncertain. Initially, Dem. Senator Chuck Schumer of NY had a “pause’ in the resettlement program may be necessary, but on Thursday, according to Politico, he said now opposes a time-out in that program.
