Senator Blumenthal Speaks on Need for State Dept to Help Resolve Refugee Crisis

I spoke on the Senate Floor about the need for the United States to assist with resolving the refugee crisis taking place in the Middle East and Europe.
“We are a nation of immigrants and refugees. It has given us strength. Our diversity is part of what makes America the greatest, strongest country in the history of the world… Inhuman dictators, territory disputes, environmental degradation all are contributing now, more than ever, to the largest refugee crisis since World War II. ”
In addition to the many horrors we’ve been hearing about, I also specifically addressed the gruesome crimes perpetrated by ISIL against abducted Yazidi women and children.
“[I urge Secretary Kerry] to take further action to help the Yazidi, the Christians, and other religious minorities who have been systematically kidnapped, enslaved, tortured, raped, and brutalized by ISIL simply because of their faith. We talk a great deal on the Floor here, and in this body, and in this building, and in this country about faith. The horror of this persecution calls to our conscience…”