In Dallas, Vice President Biden Defends U.S. Plan For Syrian Refugees
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DALLAS (CBS11) - Vice President Joe Biden defended President Barack Obama's plan to re-settle 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States.
The Vice President answered my question after speaking with North Texas elected, transportation, and business leaders in Dallas.
Mr. Biden said, "The only way terror wins is if they cause you to change your values."
The Vice President disagrees with Republicans in Congress who say there should be a "pause" in bringing the Syrian refugees to the U.S.
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has also said a "pause" may be necessary. Republicans question whether the government has the ability to make sure the Syrian refugees aren't terrorists. Vice President Biden sought to reassure skeptics.
"We have a real vetting system for refugees coming into the country. We can assure Americans that they will be safe. For us to turn our back now on refugees is turning our back on who we are."
Republicans have repeatedly criticized President Obama for not having any strategy to defeat ISIS, and for saying last week the terror group had been contained.
Mr. Biden said, "ISIS is not an existential threat to the United States of America. Simply stated, they are not."
While in Dallas, Biden called for Congress to spend more money on infrastructure, and said the U.S. needs $3 trillion spent on highways and bridges by 2022.
He also said high speed rail is a long-term solution that will help reduce road congestion.
Texas Central Partners is now developing a high speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.
It would shuttle passengers between the cities in 90 minutes. TXDOT is planning a high speed rail between Dallas and Fort Worth that would connect with the main line. Japanese developers are hoping to start service by early 2021.
The projects are going through a federal environmental review.
Mr. Biden told the crowd the federal government offered money for the Dallas to Houston rail line. "We allotted federal money for you guys, your Governors didn't want it, not a joke. But you stepped up here, because you get it, you get it."
The Vice President held a similar event in Houston earlier Wednesday.
After his visit to Dallas, Mr. Biden went to San Antonio to hold a political fundraiser.
He is scheduled to return to Washington, DC Wednesday evening.
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