Ronald L.

Ramsey
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
SPEAKER OF THE SENATE
1 Legislative Plaza
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37243-0026
TELEPHONE (615) 741-4524

Beth Harwell

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SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

OF REPRESENTATIVES
19 LEGISLATIVE PLAZA
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37243-0181
TELEPHONE (615) 741-0709

November 16, 2015

Dear Members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation,
We write to you regarding an urgent matter of great importance.
Recent events have made it clear that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is ramping up its operations of terror
against the United States and Europe. Tennessee itself experienced an act of terrorism just a few months ago in
Chattanooga. Our thoughts and prayers are with the citizens of France.
On Friday, a well-planned, coordinated attack took the lives of over 120 people in Paris, leaving more than 300
injured. ISIS has claimed responsibility. A clear pattern of terror has emerged, and we can no longer turn a blind
eye to it. Radical Islam has declared war on the West, and the West must do more to defend itself.
This country and our beloved state of Tennessee have a long record of welcoming immigrants. We are a nation of
immigrants, and we would not be the nation we are without them. But national security and the safety of
Tennesseans come first.
The mass movement of legitimate refugees seeking asylum is heartbreaking, and our heart goes out to each and
every man, woman and child who is fleeing legitimate political persecution. But the opportunity that radical
Islamists could embed themselves in the movement of refugees is large and growing. These refugees are
impossible to thoroughly investigate and properly vet.
Out of an abundance of caution, the flow of refugees must be stopped. As Tennessees congressional delegation,
we ask you to advocate strongly for an immediate moratorium on refugees entering the United States, specifically
Tennessee.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything we can do to assist you in this effort.
Sincerely,

Ron Ramsey
Lieutenant Governor
Tennessee General Assembly

Beth Harwell
Speaker of the House
Tennessee General Assembly

Senator Mike Bell

Senator Joey Hensley

Senator Paul Bailey

Senator Ed Jackson

Senator Mae Beavers

Senator Jack Johnson

Senator Janice Bowling

Senator Richard Briggs

Senator Brian Kelsey

Senator Bill Ketron

Senator Rusty Crowe

Senator Becky Massey

Senator Todd Gardenhire

Senator Randy McNally

Senator Mark Green

Senator Frank Niceley

Senator Delores Gresham

Senator Ferrell Haile

Senator Mark Norris

Senator Douglas Overbey

Senator John Stevens

Senator Kerry Roberts

Senator Jim Tracy

Senator Bo Watson
Senator Steve Southerland

Senator Ken Yager