House votes to tighten restrictions on Syrian refugees, Rep. Sam Farr reacts

The House voted Thursday to tighten restrictions on Syrian refugees despite President Barack Obama’s veto threat.

The bill would temporarily halt Syrian and Iraqi refugees from entering the United States.

Most Republicans feel these tighter restrictions are necessary following the terrorist attacks in Paris last week. Most Democrats feel the U.S. shouldn’t stop helping refugees.

Rep. Sam Farr, D-California, released a statement following the vote:

“After the recent attacks in Paris, fear is an understandable emotion. However leadership requires us to not give into that fear. Syrian refugees fleeing their war torn country are not our enemy. They are grandparents, mothers, fathers and children who are only searching for safe haven for their family. As a humanitarian nation and the moral leader of the world, we have a responsibility to welcome them into our country.”