[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 177 (Tuesday, December 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H9035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

  (Mr. MOULTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 158, a bill 
that would improve the Visa Waiver Program and ensure better 
information sharing among intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
  This is separate from the Republican proposal introduced last week 
that would have effectively halted refugee resettlement. Refugees 
already undergo the most stringent screening process of any individual 
entering the United States, with an extensive series of background 
checks.
  Refugees are victims, not perpetrators of terrorism. Categorically 
refusing to take them only feeds the narrative of ISIS.
  In contrast, H.R. 158 strengthens the screening of travelers who 
qualify for the Visa Waiver Program by increasing intelligence and law 
enforcement cooperation and by making it harder for extremists to 
falsify their identities and enter our borders.
  Rather than betraying our timeless American values by scapegoating 
refugees, which only plays into ISIS' hands, we should focus on 
addressing real vulnerabilities to our homeland security.
  I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 158.

                          ____________________