Like many of you, I watched in horror last week as the news came in about the terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims, their families and the entire nation as they work to move on from this senseless attack.
The United States stands in solidarity with our European and NATO allies as they work to track down the terrorists responsible and strengthen security. Make no mistake, this was an attack against all of us and a stark reminder that we must continue to be vigilant in the fight against radical Islamic extremism.
Sadly, these attacks are not isolated incidents; they are part of the war we now face. While some people in our country may think we’re not at war with terror, terrorists think they’re at war with us.
Just look back to the last several months alone and you will see countless attacks in multiple countries — including the U.S. — that have been inspired or conducted by these brutal groups. That’s why we have to redouble our efforts to destroy ISIS and anyone who pledges allegiance to radical Islamic extremism.
I’ve been working to ensure our government takes decisive action to tackle the growing threat of Islamic extremism and guarantee our safety. We know these terrorists have attempted to infiltrate our country by taking advantage of our refugee programs.
After the FBI director admitted there were gaps in the refugee vetting process, I introduced the American SAFE Act to prohibit all incoming refugees from Iraq and Syria until the administration can assure no terrorists will be admitted. This common-sense measure passed the House of Representatives by a veto-proof majority in November, but was then blocked in the Senate by Democrats who heeded President Barack Obama’s call to oppose the strengthened standards.
Brussels underscores the need to be vigilant, and I hope the Senate will reconsider this critical legislation.
While this legislation is a step in the right direction to ensure we are safe and secure in the United States, the most important step is for the president to admit that his strategy to deal with ISIS is failing.
America needs a commander-in-chief who will put forth a comprehensive, long-term plan that will successfully degrade and destroy this enemy. After all, our safety should be our No. 1 priority. In my view, we must empower our military and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to keep us safe, and we must secure our borders so that we can make intelligent decisions as to who and what come into our country.
You elected me to make difficult decisions, and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are willing and ready to work with the president on this task. I take my oath to defend our nation seriously, and I will continue to work with my colleagues, regardless of their party affiliation, to secure our homeland against this threat.
Rep. Richard Hudson, R-Concord, represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, which currently includes Anson County.