Washington Special for News Talk Florida – On a cool rainy day in the Nation’s Capital the United States House of Representative voted 289-137 to approved legislation that requires new screening requirements on refugees from Syria and Iraq before they can enter the United States.
The measure go bi-partisan support as 47 Democrats ignored President Obama’s veto threat and backed the bill. The measure fell just short of enough to override a presidential veto if all members are present.
GOP aides noted that because of absences, the vote would have met the two-thirds requirement to override a presidential veto if that vote had been held Thursday. Still, there’s no guarantee that Democrats would vote to override the president if the bill comes back to the floor.
The legislation will now go to the Senate, where it will face a tougher path to passage. The upper chamber knew the bill was coming and they seem to be ready to try to kill it before it hits the Senate floor.
Speaking to the press this afternoon Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) vowed to block the House bill if it is considered by the upper chamber after the Thanksgiving recess. “The problem is not with refugees,” Reid said. “I don’t think we’ll be dealing with it over here.”
When asked about the prospect of Obama vetoing the legislation, Reid said, “Don’t worry, it won’t get passed. While, the Democrats in the upper chamber have been divided over the issue, and both parties have their eyes on winning a Senate majority in next year’s elections. It remains to be seen if the Republicans can peel off enough Democrats to override a sure veto.
If you look at the House 47 Democrats who voted against the bill it was a real mixed bag. You had the centrist Blue Dogs, vulnerable lawmakers in tough reelection races and even one member of leadership, Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), who heads House Democrats’ communications efforts.
The legislation would prevent any refugees from Syria or Iraq from entering the United States until the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence verifies that none of them are dangerous. Two Republicans voted against the bill: Reps. Walter Jones (N.C.) and Steve King (Iowa).
