WASHINGTON (AP) – The debate over tough new screening procedures for Syrian and Iraqi refugees should be driven by facts, not fearmongering, says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, ahead of a key vote that had at least one Republican presidential candidate changing his campaign schedule.
Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell, R-Ky., urged his colleagues to vote Wednesday to move ahead on a House-passed bill that would require new FBI background checks and individual sign-offs from three high-ranking ranking federal officials before any refugee from Syria or Iraq could come to the United States.
The campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, announced he was canceling two events in New Hampshire and rescheduling two others in order to return to Washington to vote. While Republicans said the bill contains no religious tests for the refugees, Cruz, along with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, have suggested giving preferences to Christians.
Separately, Cruz introduced a bill allowing governors to reject any refugees they deem to be a security risk.
Another GOP presidential hopeful, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, plans to be in Washington for the vote.