politics

Rep. Schrader Votes To Slow Syrian Refugees

By Eric Tegethoff (OPB)
Nov. 19, 2015 11 p.m.
Rep. Kurt Schrader

File photo of Rep. Kurt Schrader.

Alan Sylvestre / OPB

Oregon Democratic Rep. Kurt Schrader voted in favor of a bill Thursday that would make it harder for Syrian and Iraqi refugees to settle in the United States.

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Schrader split with two of his Democratic colleagues from Oregon, Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Earl Blumenauer. The latter called the bill "shameful and unnecessary."

Schrader joined Oregon's lone Republican, Rep. Greg Walden, in supporting the measure.

The bill would require the director of the FBI, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and the director of national intelligence to confirm that any refugee coming from Syria or Iraq does not pose a threat to the country.

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Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, introduced the bill in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris last week, which have heightened fears of an attack in the U.S.

Schrader was one of nearly 50 Democrats to support the legislation.

Those Democrats were joined by all but two Republicans as the House passed the bill by a veto-proof 289-137 margin.

Schrader's Communications Director, Liz Margolis, said that current threats to the country influenced the congressman's decision.

"The congressman felt that it was appropriate," she said. "And constituents wanted extra layers of security there."

The bill passed the House by a large margin and will now go to the Senate.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden has already expressed his opposition to it. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley has not yet released comment on the measure.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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