WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) voted in favor of the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, which would effectively pause the admittance of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States.

Hurt represents Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“As outlined in the Constitution, Congress’ primary responsibility is protecting the safety of the American people,” Hurt said. “After attending classified briefings on the terrorist attacks in Paris and how they impact the resettlement of refugees, I am very concerned about the effectiveness of our current screening process. These concerns stem from the fact that our intelligence and security leaders cannot say with absolute certainty that an individual entering our country under refugee status poses no threat to our national security.

Hurt said that America “cannot justify the risks of admitting Syrian refugees without proper screening.”