US Senate Democrats block Syria refugee bill
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WASHINGTON - US Senate Democrats on Wednesday narrowly blocked legislation that would slow the entry of refugees from Syria and Iraq to the United States in a contentious vote cloaked in presidential election-year politics.
The vote was 55-43, with "yes" votes falling short of the 60 needed to advance the Republican-backed measure in the 100-member Senate. No Republicans voted against the bill, and only two Democrats backed it.
Among other things, the bill would halt the admission of refugees and require high-level US officials to verify that each refugee from Iraq and Syria posed no security risk before being allowed into the United States.
Republicans said the tighter screening was essential to ensure the safety of Americans and prevent attacks within the country by Islamic State and other militant groups.
