Goodlatte Statement on Paris Terrorist Attacks

Washington, D.C. – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following statement on the horrific terrorist attacks in Paris, France: “My thoughts and prayers are with the French people and those that lost loved ones as a result of the barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris. The American people stand with them as they mourn their loss and hold fast in the face of evil.“These terrorist attacks are a reminder that ISIS poses a threat to our allies and America. Yet this reality is not clearly seen by our President. Just hours before the attack, President Obama boasted that ISIS is contained. Clearly, they are not. ISIS terrorists and sympathizers have made clear that they plan to infiltrate Western countries through the refugee system. When will President Obama take ISIS threats seriously, as well as the warnings of national security officials within his own administration, and cease his plan to bring thousands of Syrian refugees into the United States? His disconnectedness to reality is needlessly jeopardizing national security and Americans’ lives.  “This week, the House Judiciary Committee will examine these threats to our nation at a Justice Department oversight hearing and at a hearing on the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on national security. It’s past time for President Obama to wake up to reality and lead on this issue.”Background: On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., the House Judiciary Committee will hold an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice. On Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 9:00 a.m., the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on U.S. national security. In October, Chairman Goodlatte called on President Obama to rescind his directive to Secretary Kerry to usher in thousands of Syrian refugees into the United States. Previously, FBI Director Comey testified before the House Judiciary Committee that the government dramatically lacks the resources to fully vet Syrian refugees.