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Last Updated on January 20, 2016.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 20, 2016

CONTACT:
Drew Proctor, drew@winwithoutwar.org

Coalition Applauds Vote to Block Anti-Refugee Bill
Urges Congress to Continue Creating A Welcoming America

The Win Without War Coalition applauded the US Senate for blocking a vote on H.R. 4038, legislation that would effectively shut the door to Syrians who are running for their lives against ISIS and the escalation of violence in Syria. They also urged Congress to halt the politics of fear and stop erecting needless barriers to families looking to start a better life.

“American values trumped the politics of fear today. The US Senate wisely chose to defend the values inscribed on the Statue of Liberty and to offer refuge to people fleeing persecution, torture, and terror” said Drew Proctor, Advocacy Director of Win Without War. “Instead of politics-as-usual, America showed the world today that a welcoming America is a strong America, and we will stand by those in need.

“These refugees are families that are fleeing horrific violence, persecution, and repression in the hope of making a better life for themselves and their children. Most of us strive to treat others the way we’d want to be treated. If any one of us feared for our life or for our family, we’d like to know that others would help us to safety. The so-called ‘SAFE Act’ adds unnecessary restrictions on an already stringent process, and does nothing to make us safer. We can welcome refugees and still protect American security.

“We need to unite our country by the values of Golden Rule, not divide it through the partisan-fueled flames of fear-mongering. We remain committed to mobilizing our members to stop the politics of fear and save untold innocent lives.”

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Win Without War is a coalition of national organizations with diverse constituencies totaling over 11 million members. Our members oppose the continued U.S. war in Afghanistan, wasteful spending at the Pentagon, and the over-militarization of America’s foreign policy. We seek national security policies that both meet challenges of the 21st century and are consistent with our nation’s highest values.

For more information, visit www.winwithoutwar.org.

January 20, 2016