Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Denounces President Trump's Muslim Ban
Today, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) released the following statement on the effects of President Trump’s Executive Order:
“Rounding out his first full week as president, Donald Trump continues to make a mockery of the ideals upon which our nation was founded. In addition, his de facto Muslim ban is contrary to the national security interests of the United States. His actions are not only discriminatory and bigoted, but also reckless, dangerous and counterproductive to any authentic effort to defeat terrorism. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I am concerned this will only serve to stoke anti-American resentment across the globe, including our international partners committed to eradicating global terror threats."
"By continuing to take advantage of fear and misplaced hatred, this administration's incendiary Muslim ban has created confusion and chaos that is rippling around the world. As our federal agencies and international partners seek to understand and combat this meritless policy I'm asking that the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, on which I sit, hold an immediate hearing on with leadership at the Department of Homeland Security to review concerning reports about the crafting and execution of President Trump's order. I am also requesting that he House Homeland Security Committee, which I also serve on, moves up its February 7 hearing on this issue so that we may urgently address the national security implications of the Trump Administration's actions. New Jersey's Twelfth District includes individuals who are nationals of the seven targeted nations, U.S. citizens with families living in those nations, and local businesses with impacted employees across the globe."
"These irrational actions on his part give us grave concern about the safety of both the American public at home, as well as our citizens, troops and personnel abroad. I stand strongly with my constituents and the American people to condemn the behavior of President Trump and his attacks on the very diversity that makes America, the Beautiful. Our concerns as a community are shared nationally as demonstrated through ongoing rallies and public outcry. This so called 'extreme vetting' clearly needs to be vetted itself; we must demand immediate answers and accountability from those who put this unconstitutional and un-American policy in place."