Bustos and LaHood vote for increased screening for Syrian refugees

After last week’s attacks in Paris, Congress is rushing to ensure a similar attack isn’t launched in the U.S.With bi-partisan support, the House passed a bill that would require the FBI Director, Director of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence to sign off on refugees coming into America.

The bill would likely lengthen the already 18 to 24 month waiting period.

Support was nearly unanimous among House Republicans.

In a press release Congressman Darin LaHood says he believes this is a “good first step in enhancing our security at home.”

About a third of Democrats also backed the legislation including Congresswoman, Cheri Bustos. Bustos tells WGIL that even though she voted for more steps in screening, she supports America opening it’s doors to refugees.

“The fact that we’ve got a Governor who so called wants to close off our borders. I do not support that. I just want to make sure any that anybody, whether they’re from Syria or any place else is not going to pose a risk to only to the people of not only the 17th district or the State of Illinois but any American. So I would see this as that step.”

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer says the current U.S. screenings are adequate and stricter than ones Europe had.

President Obama has promised to veto the bill if passed by the Senate, but if that happens the votes are in the house to override a veto.