West LA Times

WASHINGTON – On World Refugee Day, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) and Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, were joined by 50 of their House colleagues, 19 of their Senate colleagues, and 15 leading refugee advocacy organizations in introducing a resolution reaffirming the United States' commitment to promote the welfare of refugees and displaced persons worldwide – including children – as they flee conflict, persecution, and torture.

“America has long been a beacon of hope for people around the world fleeing violence, famine and oppression,” Congressman Lieu said. “At a time when the number of refugees and displaced persons is on the rise globally, the United States must stand strong in its commitment to provide safety and security to those in need. I’m proud to lead this resolution with Chairman Menendez honoring the millions of courageous and resilient people who’ve fled their homes in search of a life free from violence and persecution. Whether they’re from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, South Sudan or elsewhere, refugees and their families deserve a safe place to call home. Today and every day we reaffirm our commitment to support the countless families across the world who’ve risked so much, guided by the hope for freedom.”

“With over 108 million people displaced worldwide, the United States must continue to champion international humanitarian efforts and demonstrate global leadership in addressing the forced migration crisis, which had led to over 35 million men, women and children becoming refugees. Thanks to our commitment to deliver humanitarian assistance, millions of refugees have access to food, shelter, and other lifesaving assistance,” Chairman Menendez said. “Our resolution recognizes the bravery and heroism of refugees and displaced people as they face brutal conditions, from conflicts in Syria, Burma, Sudan and Ukraine to natural disasters across Mozambique and the Horn of Africa. As democratic backsliding and authoritarianism rise globally, the United States and our partners must double down on our efforts to protect and affirm the human rights of displaced people around the world.”

Joining Congressman Lieu and Senator Menendez in cosponsoring the legislation were Representatives Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-1), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Barbara Lee (CA-12), David Trone (MD-06), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Scott Peters (CA-50), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Summer Lee (PA-12), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Steven Cohen (TN-09), Nanette Barragan (CA-44), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Adam Smith (WA-09), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jesús García (IL-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), André Carson (IN-07), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

Also joining Congressman Lieu and Senator Menendez in cosponsoring the legislation were Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) , Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Fifteen organizations also endorsed the legislation. They include Church World Service, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, International Rescue Committee, International Refugee Assistance Project, Islamic Relief, National Partnership for New Americans, Oxfam America, Refugee Congress, Refugee Council USA, Refugees International, The Center for Victims of Torture, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, We Are All America, and World Relief.

Find a copy of the resolution here.

Issues: Civil Rights and Social Justice Committee Work National Security and Foreign Affairs

Original source can be found here.