CONYERS Commemorates Martin Luther King's Sermon "Beyond Vietnam"

This week, longtime civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis and more than 50 Members of Congress joined me to introduce my new resolution, H.Res. 246, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the April 4, 1967 “Beyond Vietnam” sermon given by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Riverside Church in Harlem, New York.

In the sermon, Dr. King declared his opposition to the U.S. war in Vietnam.

He also gave an important warning to our nation, one that still rings true today. Dr. King said: “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.”

Since I recorded this message, President Trump unilaterally decided, without approval from Congress or the United Nations, to bomb a sovereign nation.

Those 59 Tomahawk missiles alone cost taxpayers more than $50 million.

I will continue do to everything in my power to stop Trump from wasting our tax money bombing people abroad, when we have so much important nation-building to do right here at home.

There is no question that the United States must do more to relieve the suffering of the civilians trapped in Syria’s civil war.

If President Trump wants to help the Syrian people, he should start by welcoming those seeking refuge from this terrible civil war. You can listen to Dr. King’s prophetic 1967 speech here:

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CONYERS: Trump Must Come To Congress On Syria

The House Must Reconvene Immediately and Debate the Use of Military Force

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, following a chemical attack on civilians attributed to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, United States military forces launched a missile strike on a Syrian airbase.  Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, issued the following statement in response:

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“There is no question that the United States must do more to relieve the suffering of the civilians trapped in Syria’s civil war. 

“But before we can debate the wisdom of a single unilateral strike on a Syrian air field, President Trump must answer a number of threshold answers:

“First, what is the legal basis for the President’s military intervention in Syria?  The President is bound by the U.S. Constitution, the War Powers Resolution, and the international laws of armed conflict—but Congress has never authorized military action against the Assad regime, and the President took this action without approval by the United Nations or any claim of self-defense.

“Second, what is the President’s plan for Syria going forward?  For years, Donald Trump warned President Obama not to get involved in Syria.  The central theme of his campaign was ‘America First.’ He is not empowered to commit our troops to a new war on a whim, however brutal the actions of President Assad.

“Finally, how does President Trump reconcile this action with the other policies of his Administration?  Like the President, I am haunted by the images of the children who have been murdered in this civil war.  Like many of my colleagues, I wonder if the President understands that the refugees he hopes to ban from entry to the United States seek shelter from the same conflict. 

“I join with Leader Pelosi in her request to reconvene the House immediately to demand answers to these questions.”

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Conyers, Kildee, Dingell, Lawrence Release Joint Statement on Visa Waiver Program Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), and Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) released the following joint statement on H.R. 158, the “Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act,” which would, among other things, prevent dual nationals of Iraq and Syria, or individuals who have traveled to these countries, from participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

Dean of the U.S. House
                  of Representatives
                   John Conyers, Jr.

“The first responsibility of government is to keep the American people safe. The American people are rightfully concerned about the threat of terrorism following the attacks in Beirut, Paris and San Bernardino. Recently, Congress and the Administration have been examining changes to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that there are not any vulnerabilities that could put the American people at risk. 

“There are many provisions of H.R. 158 that we support. Specifically, requiring all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program to have an unexpired, fraud-resistant electronic passport is an important security measure to take. We also support requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to study further ways to incorporate anti-fraud and deception technology into the Visa Waiver Program. Both of these steps will help improve our security here at home.

“However, we voted against the H.R. 158 today because we are concerned that the provisions in the legislation restricting the use of the visa waiver program to individuals who have travelled to Syria or Iraq or are dual nationals of these or other covered nations are discriminatory. These more controversial provisions have never been the subject of any committee hearing or markup and deserved more review and vetting before being considered on the House Floor.

“We are also concerned that these provisions contain no exceptions for journalists, researchers, human rights investigators or other professionals.  There is also an issue as to whether the new requirement will result in our partner nations placing new limits on travel by U.S. citizens to their own countries. 

“It is because of these concerns that numerous civil rights and civil liberties groups have expressed serious concerns or outright opposition to the overall legislation, including the ACLU, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the NAACP, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Arab-American Civil Rights League, Human Rights Watch, and the League of United Latin American Citizens, among others. 

“We hope that these provisions will face further review and consideration before being taken up by the Senate or included in any year-end legislation.”  

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Floor Statement: House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. on H.R. 158, the “Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act”

“Mr. Speaker, as much as any member in this body, I appreciate the unique situation our Nation is in as we struggle to effectively combat terrorism, while adhering to our Nation’s commitment to freedom and liberty. 

“I fully recognize and appreciate that the visa waiver bill before us today represents an effort to craft a more bipartisan response to recent terrorist incidents, particularly when compared to the seriously flawed refugee bill that this body voted on several weeks ago. 

“I commend the authors for including many common sense improvements to the visa waiver program that will improve the system in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner. These reforms include:

·         Requiring fraud resistant, electronic passports;

·         Mandating timely reporting of any thefts of these passports;

·         Enhanced reporting requirements;

·         And, incorporating new anti-fraud and deception technology.

“However, I believe the provisions in the legislation restricting the use of the visa waiver program to individuals who have travelled to Syria or Iraq or are dual nationals of these or other covered nations – are discriminatory. 

“I understand that these individuals are not banned from travelling to our Nation, and are simply subject to increased questioning and scrutiny before they can travel here. 

“However, history has shown that arbitrary across the board judgments based on broad characteristics such as these do nothing to enhance our security and only cast a cloud of suspicion over entire communities here in our country.

“Equally problematic is the provision’s overbreadth.  It contains no exceptions for journalists, researchers, human rights investigators or other professionals. 

“This will make it harder, not easier, to document and respond to human rights violations and other abuses.  I also believe the provision should have included a sunset date so we can assess its efficacy.  I am further concerned that the new requirement will result in our partner nations placing new limits on travel by U.S. citizens to their own countries. 

“It is because of these problems that numerous civil rights and civil liberties groups have expressed serious concerns or outright opposition to the overall legislation, including the ACLU, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the NAACP, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Arab-American Civil Rights League, Human Rights Watch, and the League of United Latin American Citizens, among others. 

“While there are many positive aspects to the legislation, I believe in the end we cannot countenance anything in our laws that judges individuals based on their nationality rather than their character.” 

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Conyers: We Must Not Turn our Backs on the World’s Refugees

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“In the midst of a global refugee crisis, we cannot turn our backs on the world’s refugees.  Millions of Syrians are fleeing the very violence and depravity in their war-torn home country that we saw on gruesome display in Paris on Friday, the 13^th.  Rather than betraying our values, we must continue to focus on the most effective tools to keep us safe while also providing refuge for the world’s most vulnerable.

“Refugees are more thoroughly vetted than any other traveler or immigrant to the United States.  We rely on methodical and exhaustive background checks (18 - 24 months on average and longer in many cases) performed by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, in conjunction with the CIA, FBI, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.  We should not let kneejerk reactions keep us from being a beacon of hope for Syrian refugees and other refugees in the Middle East, Africa, and around the world.  Doing anything different would not only be turning our back on the world’s refugees, but also on our own proud of history of providing safe haven.”

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Conyers: Urges No Vote On H.R. 4038, the “American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act Of 2015"

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4038, the so-called ‘American SAFE Act,’ purports to make us safer. But, as the Administration correctly observes, this measure ‘would provide no meaningful additional security for the American people.’

“Worse yet, it would effectively deny refugee status for Syrians and Iraqis who are themselves victims of terrorism in their homelands. 

“H.R. 4038 is a terribly flawed and inhumane bill for many reasons.           

“To begin with, while ensuring the safety of all Americans should be our top priority, H.R. 4038 does nothing to achieve this goal.

“This measure sets unreasonable clearance standards that the Department of Homeland Security simply cannot meet.

                       

“Refugees seeking to come to our shores are already subject to the highest level of vetting – more than any other traveler or immigrant to the United States.

“This extensive screening process is performed by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, in conjunction with the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

“The process utilizes methodical and exhaustive background checks that often take between 18 to 24 months on average to complete and even longer in many cases. 

“Second, we must keep in mind that our Nation was founded by immigrants and has historically welcomed refugees when there is suffering around the globe. 

“Whether it is an earthquake in Haiti, a tsunami in Asia, or 4 years of Civil War in Syria with no end in sight – the world looks to the United States.  We provide protections for refugees and asylum seekers, especially women and children.

           

“Nevertheless, in the wake of the September 11 attacks on our shores and the tragic November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, we must be vigilant particularly in the midst of a global refugee crisis.          

“H.R. 4038, however, is an extreme over-reaction to these latest security concerns.

“Rather than shutting our doors to these desperate men, women, and children who are risking their lives to escape death and torture in their homelands, we should work to utilize our immense resources and good intentions of our citizens to welcome them.

           

“And, finally, Congress needs to do its part by properly funding refugee resettlement as well as funding our federal agencies so they have the necessary personnel and programs to complete security checks that we already have in place.  

“Instead of slamming our doors to the world’s most vulnerable, we should be considering legislation to strengthen and expand refugee programs.

“Unfortunately, the bill before us today is not a serious effort to legislate and it will not make us safer.  It is a knee-jerk reaction as evidenced by the fact that this measure, introduced just two days ago, has not been the subject of a single hearing or any meaningful review by our Committee. 

“Rather than betraying our values, we must continue to focus on the most effective tools to keep us safe while also providing refuge for the world's most vulnerable.  

“Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 4038.  Thank you.  I yield back the balance of my time.”   

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Statement of the Honorable John Conyers, Jr. Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security Hearing on: “The Syrian Refugee Crisis and Its Impact on the Security of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program”

           

Dean of the U.S. House
of Representatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“This hearing, which focuses on the Syrian refugee crisis and its impact on the security of our Nation’s Refugee Admissions Program, has the potential to shed meaningful light on critical issues of interest to all Americans.

            “Unfortunately and with all due respect to our witnesses, the value of today’s undertaking is greatly diminished by the fact that immediately following the conclusion of this hearing, we will go directly to the floor to vote on H.R. 4038, the so-called “American SAFE Act,” a bill that would effectively shut down refugee processing for Syrians and Iraqis. 

           

“Clearly, there are no easy solutions to a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude, as well as the security threats we will hear about today. 

            “Yet, H.R. 4038 is not the right answer and I want the witnesses to focus on what should be our response, keeping in mind these factors. 

            “To begin with, while ensuring the safety of all Americans should be our top priority, H.R. 4038, which would effectively debar Syrian and Iraqi refugees from the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, does nothing to promote security.  

            “This measure sets unreasonable clearance standards that the Department of Homeland Security cannot meet and thereby it would halt refugee resettlement in the United States.              

           

“Without question, the Program should be held to the highest standards to ensure – to the greatest extent possible – that the security screening is thorough, effective, and timely. 

            “In fact, refugees are already subject to the highest level of vetting – more than any other traveler or immigrant to the United States. 

            “This extensive screening process – performed by the Departments of Homeland Security and State, in conjunction with the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies – relies on methodical and exhaustive background checks that often take between 18 to 24 months on average to complete and even longer in many cases. 

            “But, like any system, there can be room for further improvement.  So I would appreciate your thoughts on how we can accomplish that goal.

            “Second, we must keep in mind that our Nation was founded by immigrants and has historically welcomed refugees when there is suffering around the globe. 

            “Whether it is an earthquake in Haiti, a tsunami in Asia, or four years of Civil War in Syria with no end in sight – the world looks to the United States.  We provide protections for refugees and asylum seekers, especially women and children.

           

            “Nevertheless, in the wake of the September 11 attacks on our shores and the tragic November 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, we must be vigilant especially in the midst of a global refugee crisis.      

           

“H.R. 4038, however, is an extreme over-reaction to these latest security concerns.

            “Rather than shutting our doors to these desperate men, women, and children who are risking their lives to escape death and torture in their homelands, we should work to utilize our immense resources and good intentions of our citizens to welcome them.

            “And, finally, Congress needs to do its part by properly funding refugee resettlement as well as funding our federal agencies so they have the necessary personnel and programs to complete security checks.        

       “Rather than slamming our doors to the world’s most vulnerable, we should be considering legislation to strengthen and expand refugee programs. 
           

“For example, I am a co-sponsor of H.R.1568, the ‘Protecting Religious Minorities Persecuted by ISIS Act of 2015,’ which would allow persecuted individuals in ISIS-held territories in Iraq and Syria to apply directly to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

            “Rather than rushing to the floor to consider legislation that was introduced just two days ago and that has not been the subject of even a single hearing, we should devote our legislative resources to developing meaningful solutions.”

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Reps. Conyers and Lofgren Call For U.S. To Take Stronger Role In Addressing Global Refugee Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Judiciary Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI) and House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) released the following statement calling for the United States to admit 200,000 global refugees in the coming fiscal year, with 100,000 reserved for Syrian refugees:

Dean of the U.S.House
ofRepresentatives
John Conyers, Jr.

“Today’s global refugee crisis warrants a historic response.  According to official reports, there are now more refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced persons – nearly 60 million – than at any time since World War II. 

“We recently saw a photo of a three year old Syrian refugee, Aylan Kurdi, drowned and washed up on a beach in Turkey.  We also saw one of an emotional Syrian father hugging his children closely after they reached land having survived a harrowing journey by sea.  These poignant images have had a galvanizing effect on many countries in Europe and around the world.  Germany, a country just one fourth of the population of the United States, will receive approximately 800,000 asylum seekers in this year alone – more than 10 times the size of the current U.S. refugee program.

“It is time for the United States to join the global community for a humanitarian response.  We should do our part by admitting 200,000 refugees, with 100,000 reserved for refugees from Syria.  The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is an important tool for the protection of refugees around the world, including Syrians, Iraqis, and displaced persons around the world.  It reflects our nation’s commitment to protecting and assisting the world’s most vulnerable people, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security interests by highlighting our commitment to human dignity and increasing our dialogue and cooperation with host nations around the world.  Additionally, as Pope Francis has indicated, now is the time for Churches and Parishes across the country to step forward to help refugees in need.

“To date, more than four million Syrian refugees have been forced to flee Syria, and the conflict in Syria shows no signs of abating.  While the heartrending journeys these refugees undertake are not new – refugees have always endured terrible challenges to reach safety – what has changed is the sheer magnitude of today’s crisis.  If the United States aims to continue as a global humanitarian leader, then it is our obligation to significantly increase the number of refugees we resettle.”

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CONGRESS URGE PRESIDENT OBAMA TO REFUSE TRANSFER OF “MANPADS” TO SYRIAN COMBANTANTS

WASHINGTON – Over two dozen Members of Congress, led by Reps. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) and Ted Yoho (R-FL), issued a letter to President Obama urging him to maintain his policy of refusing to transfer shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (“MANPADS”) to Syrian combatants.

The letter encourages the Obama Administration to uphold the policy towards Syrian combatants that have been vetted and trained by the U.S. Department of Defense or the Central Intelligence Agency.

MANPADS can be fired at aircrafts by individuals on the ground and can be easily hidden or transported in the trunk of a car.  U.S. and Israeli officials have expressed concern that they could be used by terrorists to bring down commercial airliners, including in Israel.  Former CIA director David Petraeus said last year that the possibility of a civilian airliner being shot down by a MANPAD was “always our worst nightmare.”  According to the Arms Control Association, thirty fatal MANPAD attacks have resulted in almost 1,000 civilian deaths since the first known use against a civilian aircraft in 1978.

In late 2014, the headquarters of the CIA-backed milita Harakat Hazm— one of the biggest recipients of U.S. arms including powerful TOW anti-armor missiles —was overrun by Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaeda’s primary Syrian affiliate.  Harakat Hazm fled its positions, leaving behind many of their weapons that were seized by al-Nusra.

In the 113^th Congress, Reps. Conyers and Yoho proposed a collaborative amendment to H.R. 4870, the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2015” that would have prevented the transfer of MANPADs to any party in the Syrian Civil War.  The House of Representatives approved the amendment unanimously in June 2014.

In addition to Reps. Conyers and Yoho, the letter was signed by Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT), Steven Cohen (D-TN), John Garamendi (D-CA), Water Jones (R-NC), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Alan Grayson (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Joseph Pitts (R-PA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Brian Babin (R-TX), Tom Rooney (R-FL), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Randy Weber (R-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jeff Miller (R-FL) and Curt Clawson (R-FL).

25 Members of Congress Letter to POTUS on Syria MANPADs 01-22-15

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REP. CONYERS STATEMENT ON SYRIA VOTE

WASHINGTON— Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) released the following statement after voting in support of the measure to authorize the Obama Administration to train and equip the Syrian rebel army to battle the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL):

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“I agree with President Obama that the destabilizing and destructive actions of ISIL demand an American response.  While I am supportive of President Obama’s targeted actions against ISIS to date, I believe our government must be mindful of the unintended consequences inherent in training and equipping fighters in a highly complex foreign conflict.  For this reason, I authored a successful bipartisan amendment to the House’s Defense Appropriations bill this summer, prohibiting the transfer of dangerous shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles known as MANPADs to parties in the Syrian civil war. 

As President Obama uses any authority granted by Congress to train and equip Syrian rebels, I hope he honors the will of the House of Representatives to prevent the dissemination of these and other dangerous weapons in the Middle East and beyond.  

We must remain cognizant that military force is not the solution to the strife afflicting Iraq and Syria.  I continue to oppose the presence of US ground troops in the region.  We must do all we can to eliminate funding sources for ISIL and to support inclusive governance and vigorous dialogue while respecting Iraqi sovereignty.  We must also do what we can to promote a peaceful settlement in Syria and to invest in employment-focused economic development throughout the region.”

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House Passes Conyers Amendment to Prevent Transfer of Shoulder-Fired Anti-Aircraft Missiles to Syrian Fighters

(WASHINGTON) – Late yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives considered H.R. 4870, the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2015.” During consideration of the legislation, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) and Congressman Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) offered a bipartisan amendment to prevent the transfer of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles - otherwise known as Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems, or MANPADS - to any party in the Syrian Civil War. Since their initial use on a battlefield in 1978, MANPAD attacks have resulted in nearly 1,000 civilian deaths. After the amendment was approved unanimously by the full U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Conyers issued the following statement:

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.

“If there’s one simple lesson we can take away from US involvement in conflicts overseas, it’s this: Beware of unintended consequences. As was made vividly clear with US involvement in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion decades ago, overzealous military assistance or the hyper-weaponization of conflicts can have destabilizing consequences and ultimately undercut our own national interests. I am grateful that the House of Representatives unanimously passed my amendment last night to prevent the transfer of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles - commonly called MANPADS - to forces in Syria. These weapons are easily hidden, capable of extraordinary damage, and have already resulted in the loss of nearly 1,000 civilian lives,” said Conyers.

“Both U.S. and Israeli officials have feared that these weapons could be used by terrorists to bring down commercial jets. As the boundaries are increasingly blurred between insurgents fighting the Syrian government and those fighting the Iraqi government, providing additional arms could further destabilize the Middle East. The possibility that MANPADS - or any weapon - could fall into the hands of radical groups would unquestionably increase the already-devastating human toll in the region.

“The answer to violence is not to increase access to weapons that allow for more violence. Preventing the transfer of anti-aircraft missiles is a first step towards de-escalating the chaos that has haunted Syria and the wider region for far too long, but until a lasting, peaceful resolution can be found it must not be the last.”

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