Nov. 17, 2015
HARRISBURG - Rep Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement concerning the placement of Syrian refugees in Pennsylvania:
“In light of the recent terrorist attacks in France, I have grave concerns regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement on Monday that Syrian refugees will continue to be welcomed for placement in the Commonwealth.
“A government’s primary responsibility is the protection of its people. FBI Director James Comey recently testified before Congress that there are gaps in the data necessary to track and screen Syrian refugees. As we have all heard, one of the terrorists implicated in the Paris attacks is suspected of posing as a refugee in order to gain admittance to France.
“We must halt any additional refugee immigration until we can be certain that no safety risks are posed.
“I sympathize with the refugees who are fleeing a nation engulfed in civil war, but we must prioritize the safety of Pennsylvanians.
“Although this is largely a federal matter, I am investigating our options at the state level. I have signed a letter to the governor urging him to reconsider his decision, and I am co-sponsoring several resolutions to the president of the United States, Congress and the secretary of Homeland Security regarding this urgent matter.”
Representative Matthew Baker
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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