SE North Carolina News

Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter along with 34 other senators, led by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), calling on President Biden to halt the reported plan to welcome Gazan refugees into the United States. The senators emphasized the importance of prioritizing the rescue of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza before considering the acceptance of Gazan refugees.

In the letter, the senators expressed their concerns about the national security implications of accepting Gazan refugees, stating, “Your administration’s reported plan to accept Gazan refugees poses a national security risk to the United States…We are not confident that your administration can adequately vet this high-risk population for terrorist ties and sympathies before admitting them into the United States.”

Furthermore, the senators highlighted their frustration with the administration's focus on evacuating Gazans from the Strip while American citizens are still held hostage by Hamas. They demanded that the administration cease planning for accepting Gazan refugees until their concerns are addressed and the priority is shifted towards securing the release of U.S. hostages.

The letter underscores the senators' stance that the safety and well-being of American citizens should be the primary concern in these circumstances.