Principled Action for America’s Safety

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Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted to reform and strengthen the Visa Waver program and called on American leaders to take principled action to protect the safety and security of every person in this country.

The House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, with overwhelming bipartisan support, 407-19.

“America will always welcome foreign visitors,” McMorris Rodgers said. “But we cannot allow those who seek to do us harm to abuse our relationships with friendly nations. With the simple, bipartisan reforms to the visa-waiver program we passed today, we add additional safeguards that prevent potential threats from coming to America.”

When asked about Donald Trump’s proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the country, McMorris Rodgers stood up for American values. “I agree with the statement made by Speaker Ryan,” McMorris Rodgers said. “[Trump’s] proposal does not reflect our values as Republicans or Americans. I believe very strongly in the importance of our Constitutional rights. In America, we celebrate freedom of religion and freedom to worship.”

McMorris Rodgers also called for the President to articulate a clear plan to protect the United States. “We have an obligation to confront terrorist organizations before they threaten the American people,” McMorris Rodgers said. “The House will continue to take principled action while urging the President to adopt a comprehensive strategy to destroy ISIS.”