Much was accomplished this year in the areas of national security and border protection, U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) said on Monday, but work remains to be done.
“While the president continues to reiterate his failed tactics to combat radical Islamic terrorists, admitting the criticism against his strategy is legitimate, the House is working to put real plans into action,” Jenkins said. “I am proud of the several bills I supported that will help ensure the safety and security of Kansans and folks across the country. In 2016, I will continue to build upon the great steps the House has done to protect Kansans while also looking at other areas to bolster our defenses.”
Jenkins said that one of her priorities in the new year will be the prevention of the transfer of detainees from the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to Kansas’ Fort Leavenworth. Jenkins has already supported legislation that would prohibit any transfer of the detainees and noted that Attorney General Loretta Lynch has warned that such a transfer would be illegal.
Another area of focus going forward for Jenkins will be the strengthening of the Visa Waiver Program and securing the nation’s borders. This year, Jenkins voted in support of legislation that would pause the intake of Iraqi and Syrian refugees until the FBI and other agencies are able to ensure that each individual refugee does not pose a threat to the American people. To that end, Jenkins also voted to tighten restrictions on the Visa Waiver Program to stop malicious abuses of the system.
Jenkins has also called for an increase in defense spending, voting to increase military spending and improve pay for the nation’s soldiers.