Congressman Michael McCaul from Texas has taken a page out of the Trump playbook in the past, using lies to stoke fear in the American people about dangerous criminals being released from jail and insinuating that “we don’t know who” Syrian refugees are.
Another insulting lie from Rep. McCaul? He suggested that Obamacare is too expensive for his family. Fact check: McCaul is worth more than $100 million.
Michael McCaul lied about the Obama Administration seeking to release dangerous criminals
Michael McCaul lied about the Obama administration seeking to “release hundreds of dangerous criminals into our communities.” “McCaul said the Obama administration, seeking to reduce the number of detention beds, plans to ‘release hundreds of dangerous criminals into our communities.’ The administration has sought to shrink the number of beds devoted to holding individuals in detention, saying that would save money. If approved, this could lead to more individuals who face immigration proceedings not living behind bars. It also looks to us like the government is keeping its options open on releasing more immigration detainees if money runs tight. However, we did not confirm any related expected release of hundreds, or even a few, dangerous criminals. The February 2013 release of 2,200-plus individuals didn’t include violent criminals, a top administrator testified.” [PolitiFact, 6/21/16]
Michael McCaul lied about refugees
Michael McCaul said that “we don’t know who” Syrian refugees are. “McCaul said there is not enough intelligence to properly vet Syrian refugees. ‘If I could be assured these people could be vetted properly I would be supportive,’ he said. ‘The problem is the FBI testified before my committee, I’ve had Homeland Security officials and the intelligence community who all say to me that we don’t have the systems in place on the ground in Syria to properly vet these individuals. We don’t know who they are.’ ‘We are a compassionate nation. We have to deal with this crisis,’ he said. ‘But, you know, this is — could be a very reckless and dangerous policy.’” [The Hill, 9/13/15]
-
PolitiFact: “There’s no real precedent of a terrorist slipping in through the vetting system.” “Their names, biographical information and fingerprints are run through federal terrorism and criminal databases. Meanwhile, the refugees are interviewed by Department of Homeland Security officials. If approved, they then undergo a medical screening, a match with sponsor agencies, ‘cultural orientation’ classes and one final security clearance. Syrian refugees in particular must clear one additional hurdle. Their documents are placed under extra scrutiny and cross-referenced with classified and unclassified information. The process typically takes one to two years or longer and happens before a refuge ever steps onto American soil. Ultimately, says the State Department, about half are approved, and there’s no real precedent of a terrorist slipping in through the vetting system.” [PolitiFact, 6/13/16]
-
New York Times: “Syrians must pass many layers of security checks before being admitted to the United States, a process that can take two years or longer.” “Syrians must pass many layers of security checks before being admitted to the United States, a process that can take two years or longer. In most cases, the refugees do not enter the United States until the very end. They are also subject to an additional layer of checks beyond those for refugees of other nationalities; after the Paris attacks, the House voted to further tighten screening procedures. Since 2011, the United States has admitted fewer than 2,000 Syrian refugees.” [New York Times, 11/20/15]
-
Associated Press: Refugee vetting is “a drawn-out process that includes in-person interviews overseas and involves multiple agencies, led by Homeland Security.” “Late last year, the Obama administration for the first time disclosed details about how refugees are investigated. Officials described a drawn-out process that includes in-person interviews overseas and involves multiple agencies, led by Homeland Security. Refugees must submit to interviews before they can come, and provide biographical details about themselves — their families, friendships, social or political activities, employment, telephone numbers, email accounts and more. They also provide biometric information, including fingerprints. Syrians are subject to additional, classified controls that officials have declined to describe specifically. Refugee processing generally takes 18 months to 24 months. It can be longer for Syrians.” [Associated Press, 6/19/16]
Michael McCaul suggested Obamacare made health coverage too expensive for his family
Michael McCaul on Obamacare: “I lost my health care plan. I have five kids. My premiums have gone up significantly, and I don’t know if I can keep all the same doctors that I had to treat my kids.” “‘I want to tell you about my personal experience with the D.C. exchange. The president said you could keep your care plan, that your premiums will go down,’ McCaul said. ‘Mr. Speaker, I lost my health care plan. I have five kids. My premiums have gone up significantly, and I don’t know if I can keep all the same doctors that I had to treat my kids.’ In September, the chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security — who has substantial financial ties to several health insurance companies, including United Health Group — introduced an amendment to prevent federally elected officials from being exempt from ACA provisions.” [Huffington Post, 12/6/13]
-
Michael McCaul is worth more than $100 million dollars. [Roll Call, accessed 7/15/16]